Asansol: To control the increasing traffic congestion in the industrial city of Asansol and to make daily commuting smoother and more disciplined, the police administration has introduced a one-way traffic system on several important roads in the city. The Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate stated that this decision has been taken with the aim of keeping city traffic normal and emergency services operational.
According to the new traffic rules, special regulations have been implemented for vehicular movement from the extremely busy Hutton Road crossing via Gorai Road to the Asansol District Hospital. The police administration argued that due to constant traffic jams on this route, critically ill patients traveling to the district hospital and their families had to face extreme difficulties. Instances of ambulances getting stuck often occurred. As a result of this new one-way system, ambulances and other emergency vehicles will be able to reach the hospital much more easily and quickly.
However, as soon as this new system was introduced, mixed reactions were observed among the general pedestrians and daily commuters of Asansol. While ordinary citizens supported the administrative decision in the interest of maintaining rules and regulations, they highlighted extreme suffering in practical terms. They complained that because a straight road has been made one-way, they have to take long detours to reach their usual destinations. Along with wasting time, this has also increased commuting costs. Senior citizens and local businesses, in particular, are facing problems due to these detours.
Regarding this matter, the senior police official in charge of the traffic department, IPS Jadhavar Avinash Bhimrao, said, "This plan has been implemented keeping in mind a permanent solution to the city's traffic congestion problem and, in particular, ensuring that critical patients are rushed to the hospital quickly. In the initial stage, it will take some time for the ordinary people to get used to it and there might be some inconvenience. However, citizens' cooperation is earnestly desired to reap the long-term benefits of the traffic system."
Currently, traffic police personnel are deployed at various intersections, instructing pedestrians and drivers to follow the new rules. The police have stated that the situation is being monitored and necessary adjustments will be made as required.
