Hazaribag: Amid persistent traffic snarls at Hazaribag’s Jhanda Chowk, residents have demanded the reopening of several old lanes in surrounding areas that have remained inaccessible for years due to encroachments, garbage accumulation, and neglect.The issue has also drawn judicial attention, with the Jharkhand high court recently directing authorities to test an automated traffic signal system at 20 major intersections, including Jhanda Chowk.“The junction handles traffic from four directions and, with narrow roads and a congested market area, even minor disruptions often lead to long queues,” said Nitesh Tiwary, resident of New Area mohalla.The route beside Thana Gali behind Swadeshi Vastralaya, the lane behind Delhi Market, the lane beside Sundari Ryne Market, and the road linking Pagoda Chowk to the cold storage area can be considered for revival.Manish Vishwakarma, a resident of of Okni, said, “Cleaning and restoring these routes for pedestrians and two-wheelers could help ease pressure on the main carriageway, where congestion has become a daily problem.”Okni Mohalla-based Subodh Kumar said, “The city’s population and vehicle count have grown rapidly over the years, but road infrastructure and traffic planning have failed to keep pace. The impact is now visible at major intersections, particularly Jhanda Chowk.”Deputy mayor Avinash Yadav said, “The civic body would identify such routes, prepare a blueprint, and assess which can be cleaned and reopened. With traffic pressure expected to rise during Durga Puja and other upcoming festivals, the municipal body plans to expedite the exercise.”
