Bhopal has finally realised its long-awaited dream of a running metro, but at what cost? Is it fair to make your citizens pay the price? Smooth transportation does not solely rely on a metro station, but on everyday roads and traffic.
While the train bridges get attention, commuters struggle with simple errands. With potholes on most used roads and no proper functioning of traffic signals, the situation keeps worsening.
In a city covering municipal and urban areas of approximately 463 sq km, the metro is planned to run for 30.5 km.
“Because of the metro construction, the road has been narrowed from its usual width, which has increased traffic and often causes long jams,” said Safira, a college commuter.
Commuters cut their travelling time by using their personal vehicles, but their hopes are dashed by narrow lanes filled with potholes and jammed with traffic, she added.
Non-working traffic lights may sound fine, until you are stuck in the same area for more than 30 minutes.
A corporate employee, Siddharth, said that Ever since the start of this construction, going to work has become tedious due to improper functioning of traffic.
“From Kamla Park to MP Nagar Zone II, it usually takes 15-20 min, but due to the metro construction, traffic near DB Mall now takes me around 40 min to reach my office,” he added.
According to Metro Rail News, MPMRCL officials said the metro contractor must obtain the required permissions before starting construction and follow the conditions attached to those permissions.
“However, traffic control is the responsibility of the traffic police,” they added.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Sanskriti Jain recently held a meeting to review road repairs and identify stretches requiring attention.
Over the last few years, BMC has requested the state government for additional funding for road repair, usually around Rs 50 crore.
The meeting comes as civic agencies prepare for increased movement on city roads during the festive period.
Bhopal famously known as a city of lakes, has been a place of peace, and its disruption has no excuse.
Siddharth and Safira raised several questions with the authorities, describing them as simple questions from an ordinary perspective.
“Where should civilians go? Who will take responsibility for road accidents because of a lack of facilities?” asked Siddharth.
Is it really acceptable that all transport facilities deteriorate under the weight of one metro construction? questioned Safira.
She further added, is it not possible for Bhopal to flourish with development? Where are the authorities who promised us ease and left us with unfinished roads?
“I request BMC, traffic police, and Bhopal Metro to take accountability and resolve these problems with responsibility,” Siddharth said.
