Agra: Illegal encroachments dominate Smart City roads, traffic system in disarray
Traffic in Agra has been severely disrupted due to illegal parking and unauthorized auto stands on major routes like Sikandra and Kargil Road. According to an Amar Ujala report, vehicles parked in the middle of the road and roadside food stalls are causing massive inconvenience. The practice of managing traffic from police booths rather than on the ground has also been questioned.
VIMARSHNAARAD TVThe traffic management system in Agra is currently facing severe challenges. According to a report by Amar Ujala, illegal encroachments on major roads have disrupted daily life despite the city's 'Smart City' status. Managing traffic at critical points like Sikandra intersection and the Kargil Model Road has become an increasingly difficult task.
Illegal auto stands and parking zones have been established in various spots along these routes. Buses and auto-rickshaws are frequently seen parked in the middle of the road, obstructing the flow of traffic. Furthermore, the presence of tea and snack stalls along the highway has increased congestion, significantly raising the risk of accidents for commuters.
Questions are also being raised about the functioning of the local administration. The report notes that police personnel stationed at the Sikandra intersection often attempt to control traffic from within their booths. This style of issuing instructions from inside the booth, rather than managing the situation on the ground, has exacerbated traffic jams.
Even the Kargil Model Road, which was once considered one of the better roads in the city, is now heavily affected by encroachments. Despite repeated complaints, the administration has struggled to clear these unauthorized occupations. This causes significant inconvenience not only to local residents but also to tourists visiting the city.
Grand claims were made to organize the city under the Smart City project, but the ground reality appears to be quite the opposite. Increasing encroachments and unregulated parking have tarnished the city's image. The public is now demanding strict action from the administration to ensure that roads remain accessible and clear.
Traffic experts believe that if these illegal stands and stalls are not removed in a timely manner, the situation could worsen. The administration now needs a concrete plan to clear the roads of all encroachments. An active police presence at major intersections is seen as the only permanent solution to this persistent problem.