The construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) in Civil Lines, which has taken over four years to complete, is proving to be a major headache for the locals, including residents, business owners, and office workers in nearby areas such as Jamnalal Bajaj Marg and Jacob Marg. The bridge, just 700 meters long, has caused significant traffic disruptions for those living and working on both sides of the railway line.
On Jacob Marg, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) recently allowed traffic from both the Chief Minister's Residence and Ajmer Road, but the ongoing construction has resulted in the blocking of nearly three-fourths of the road's width. This has left only a narrow strip of road for vehicles to pass, creating severe congestion. The situation worsens during weddings or events held at nearby halls, with guests parking their cars along the narrow stretch. This makes it impossible for vehicles from opposite directions to pass at the same time, causing long delays. Locals report waiting 15-20 minutes to move through this narrow section, with no room to turn around due to surrounding construction.
Kuldeep Singh Chandela, a local entrepreneur who runs a popular restaurant on Jacob Road, expressed frustration over the delay, saying, "This project has been ongoing for years. The state government, JDA, and other authorities need to complete it as soon as possible. It's causing serious problems for businesses and residents."
On the opposite side of the ROB, along Jamnalal Bajaj Marg, traffic flow has been similarly disrupted. JDA has occupied over three-fourths of the road's width, making it difficult for locals to navigate. Although the traffic police have designated this road as one-way from Parivahan Marg to Sardar Patel Marg, residents claim there is no police presence after 8 p.m., allowing cars to travel in both directions, further aggravating the congestion.
Amir Chaturvedi, a local resident, shared his concerns: "Traffic issues here are a major problem. On top of that, we've had to deal with pollution from this construction for the past four years. We can't even keep our windows open."
An official from JDA acknowledged the challenges faced during the construction, attributing some of the delays to issues beyond the civic body's control. However, he assured that the overbridge would be completed soon. "Most major obstacles have been resolved, and we've set a revised deadline for completion by March 2025," said Ajay Garg, JDA's Director of Engineering (II).
(ET)
