Citywide Anti-Encroachment Drive Planned As Administration Wakes Up To Bhopal's Traffic Mess After Festive Season

Bhopal district officials have launched a citywide initiative to tackle traffic congestion and encroachments following the festive season. The plan, which should have been prepared before the holiday rush, is now being developed by the administration in collaboration with the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department, and traffic police. The effort aims to streamline vehicular movement, eliminate illegal parking, and improve overall traffic management.

Experts have identified key problem areas across the city, including major intersections that require engineering and enforcement-based solutions. For example, Lalghati and Moti Masjid junctions need scientific redesign, revised signal timings, and removal of illegal parking from free-left lanes. Other intersections like Bhopal Talkies, Polytechnic, and Jyoti Talkies require various improvements such as wider left-turn lanes, removal of encroachments, revised signal cycles, and CCTV-based enforcement.

The administration is also addressing issues in commercial hubs and old city areas, suggesting smarter signal management and better utilization of existing infrastructure. Bairagarh and Karond intersections are recommended to have organized roadside parking and clear service roads, while Kolar Road needs development of more parking sites along the six-lane stretch.

Free-left turns and stricter enforcement are suggested at Shahpura, while Misrod requires a rotary near the police station and removal of service-road encroachments. Bhopal Crime News reports that two alleged arms smugglers were arrested by Hanumanganj Police along with illegal firearms and ammunition.