Traffic Woes Faulty signals and cameras add to congestion
   Date :22-Apr-2025

Non-functional traffic signals at one of the busy square
 
 
Staff Reporter ;
 
Bhopal’s roads are grappling with a growing crisis as malfunctioning traffic signals and cameras exacerbate daily congestion, leaving commuters frustrated. Areas like Jahangirabad, Royal Market Square, Sindhi Colony, Bharat Talkies, MANIT Square, and Kamla Park are particularly affected, with traffic lights either broken or entirely non-functional. The absence of clear signals leads to chaos, as drivers, unsure of right-of-way, weave through intersections, causing frequent traffic jams. Imagine a daily commute where every junction becomes a gamble, with no signal to guide the flow, forcing drivers to inch forward in a tangle of honking vehicles. This not only wastes time but also heightens the risk of accidents. The situation with traffic cameras is equally grim. At key junctions like Polytechnic Square, Sasaram Chauraha, Alpna Tiraha, and Karond Chauraha, cameras meant to monitor violations and ensure smooth traffic are reportedly out of order. Without functional cameras, traffic police struggle to enforce rules, allowing violators to go unchecked. For residents, this means longer waits and mounting frustration, especially during peak hours when roads turn into virtual gridlock. Additional DCP (Traffic) Basant Koul acknowledged the issue, attributing the faulty signals to ongoing road construction work. He explained that signals at several junctions are temporarily shut down due to infrastructure projects, but new signals have been proposed for areas lacking them. Koul pinned hopes on the upcoming Road Safety Committee meeting on April 24, chaired by the Collector. This long-overdue review meeting will tackle all traffic-related concerns, including demands for new signals and camera repairs. The committee’s discussions could be a turning point for addressing Bhopal’s traffic mismanagement. However, Smart City official Jitendra Rathore offered a contrasting view, claiming that all 300+ cameras installed across 29 junctions under the Smart City project are fully operational. This raises questions about the ground reality, as commuters and local reports consistently highlight non-functional cameras at critical points. The disconnect between official claims and public experience underscores the urgency for accountability. For Bhopal’s residents, the daily struggle with erratic signals and cameras is more than an inconvenience, it’s a safety hazard. The April 24 meeting must deliver concrete solutions, from syncing signals to ensuring cameras work, to restore order to the city’s chaotic roads. Until then, commuters remain stuck in a cycle of delays and danger. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Upcoming Road Safety Committe meet to address this issue bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb The upcoming Road Safety Committee meeting on April 24, chaired by the Collector, will address Bhopal’s traffic signal and camera issues. Discussions will focus on repairing non-functional signals, installing new ones at key junctions, and reviewing traffic management. Additional DCP Traffic Basant Koul emphasised that construction delays have affected signals