Encroachments shrink Lucknow roads into choke points

Traffic Issues in State Capital Due to Encroachments

The traffic problems in the state capital involve more than just rule violations and improperly parked vehicles. Even wide roads become narrow due to encroachments, causing delays for commuters.

The issues often start when drivers turn from the Maharana Pratap statue at Hussainganj onto Shivaji Marg.

Shivaji Marg Congestion

A nearly one-kilometer stretch of Shivaji Marg, along with Latouche Road and the nearby Naka area, faces severe congestion. Rampant encroachments and illegal parking reduce the width of the 12-meter-wide, two-lane Shivaji Marg to about 4.5 meters during peak hours. A reality check by Hindustan Times revealed that public infrastructure meant to help commuters now hinders them.

Traffic congestion begins when shops open in the morning and lasts until around 8 PM. Commuters, office-goers, and traders compete for space on Shivaji Marg, which can barely accommodate four vehicles at a time. Cars move slowly, while two-wheelers navigate through tight spaces, increasing accident risks.

Commuters’ Experiences

“Crossing this stretch in the afternoon takes longer than the entire drive from Charbagh,” said Ramesh Kumar, a daily user of the road. “There is no fixed time. Some days, it takes 20 minutes, some days even more.”

Poor Conditions for Pedestrians

Most buildings along Shivaji Marg and Latouche Road are commercial. Shopkeepers place goods and temporary structures outside, reducing road space. Street vendors occupy large parts of the footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto the busy road.

The footpaths, designed for two to three people, are now unusable. Senior citizens, women, and children walk close to moving vehicles, often stepping onto the road to avoid obstacles.

“It feels unsafe to walk here,” said Sunita Verma, a resident of the Naka area. “The footpath is gone. Vehicles honk continuously and there is always fear of being hit.”

Parking Space Issues

A significant cause of congestion is the lack of parking space. Many new commercial buildings do not meet parking requirements. Some offer no parking, while others provide space for only a few two-wheelers. Consequently, traders and customers park on the roadside, further narrowing the road.

A trader, who wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged the issue. “Most of us bought shops on resale. A 400–500 sq ft shop here comes without any parking provision. There is no parking lot nearby, so people park on the road. It becomes messy, but we have no option,” he said.

Traffic Patterns

Commuters report that traffic eases only late at night after shops close. During the day, traffic remains congested for hours, affecting private vehicles and emergency services.

Auto drivers and cab operators often avoid the route during the day. “We either refuse rides or take longer detours,” said an auto driver near Hussainganj. “Getting stuck here means loss of time and money.”

Wider Issues and Civic Response

Similar congestion occurs on Latouche Road and in the Naka area. Well-constructed roads have become bottlenecks due to encroachments and unregulated parking.

Residents report that complaints have led to little change. “Sometimes an encroachment drive happens, but it is limited to a few spots,” said a local shopkeeper. “After a few days, everything comes back.”

Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar acknowledged the problem and promised action. “As HT has highlighted the issue, we will begin a drive. Anyone violating the norms will face action. Roads are public property, not personal parking spaces,” he said.

Commuters demand ongoing action, removal of encroachments, strict checks on parking norms, and accountability from authorities to restore the road’s original width. “We would initiate action against the people who are violating the norms and causing traffic congestion,” said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Traffic Kamlesh Dixit on Sunday.