Gaya: The Gaya police administration has decided to strictly enforce one-way traffic rules across the city in a bid to improve traffic management and reduce road accidents.Acknowledging widespread complaints about the existing traffic arrangement, City SP Abhinav said the issue had been taken up seriously and corrective measures would be implemented.“We have received several complaints regarding traffic management. The one-way traffic system will be fully enforced and we hope the situation will improve in the coming days,” the City SP said.However, residents and road safety activists said traffic violations have become routine across the city, with little action taken against offenders.According to locals, a large number of vehicles carrying stickers such as administration, police, press, doctor, MLA, MP, MLC, mukhiya and sarpanch frequently violate traffic rules despite provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act prohibiting the display of such designations on private vehicles.Many of these vehicles allegedly violate one-way traffic norms, indulge in roadside parking and excessive honking, contributing to congestion and safety concerns.“Serpentine driving by unlicensed teenagers is a common phenomenon. Wrong-side overtaking in Gaya is the norm rather than the exception, and it is a major cause of accidents,” said Ashok Kumar, a resident of Shastrinagar area.According to Sudhir Kumar of AP Colony, traffic congestion remains particularly severe on major stretches such as GB Road, Ramna Road, KP Road, Swarajpuri, Station Road, Gewalbigha Mor and Tekari Road.Locals also pointed to infrastructure-related issues aggravating traffic problems. Unaligned electric poles, transformers and low-hanging power wires often obstruct traffic movement and pose safety risks to commuters.Another concern raised by residents is the operation of tractors transporting sand, bricks and other construction materials. They alleged that many such vehicles are driven by underage drivers or persons without valid licences.Road safety activist S Haq said wrong-side driving was rampant not only on city roads but also on sections of highways, including the Gaya-Patna road. He stressed the need for stringent enforcement of traffic regulations to reduce accidents and improve road safety.Former MLA Satish Das has also been demanding the establishment of a trauma centre near Jehanabad on the Gaya-Patna road to improve emergency medical response for accident victims.Conceding that most concerns raised by road users were genuine, newly appointed City SP said he was still familiarising himself with local issues. “Most of the complaints and apprehensions of commuters appear to be genuine. We are studying the situation and appropriate steps will be taken,” he said.The police administration hopes that strict enforcement of one-way traffic regulations, coupled with action against habitual violators, will help streamline vehicular movement and improve road safety in Gaya.
