The closure of Pandya Bridge in Vadodara for high-speed rail project girder placement has worsened traffic problems in the area. The traffic police had announced alternative routes, but the roads designated as diversions are narrow and prone to traffic jams. Moreover, ineffective traffic management exacerbates the situation, as there is no visible presence of traffic police cops during traffic jams to regulate the flow. Suggested alternative routes by the police include Akota-Dandi Bazaar Bridge, Jail Road, Bhimnath Bridge, Kalaghoda, Narhari Circle, Jetalpur Bridge, and Madhunagar Bridge. Traffic from the Alkapuri railway station underpass is diverted to Fatehganj via Janmahal, MS University’s Boys’ Hostel, and Pratapganj, adding to the congestion. Additionally, heavy traffic from the Jyoti Circle end of the Pandya Bridge passes towards ST Depot from under the bridge. Primarily during the morning and evening times, long queues of vehicles are seen in Genda Circle and railway station areas. Due to a lack of effective regulation by the police, a lot of commuters’ time is wasted. Police cops are not spotted during traffic jams. The issue of traffic also worsens due to wrong-side driving on the service road of Pandya Bridge towards Polytechnic College. Police have placed barricades, but violations by commuters are frequent and fearless here.
