Chandigarh: There will be 12 designated stops for autos on the central route

Chandigarh: In a bid to smoothen traffic movement and enhance road safety, the UT administration has decided to set up designated stopping points for autorickshaws to pick up and drop passengers on the busy Madhya Marg. The initiative, being launched on a pilot basis, aims to prevent accidents caused by unauthorised stopping of autorickshaws on one of the busiest roads in the city. The project will cover the stretch between Transport Chowk and PGIMER Chowk, with 12 designated points to be set up on the Madhya Marg. The route has heavy vehicular movement, making it prone to accidents, especially when autorickshaws stop suddenly to pick up or drop passengers.
The issue was raised several times in the road safety committee meeting, following which it was decided to regulate the stopping of autos. “On a pilot basis, 12 designated points have been set up on the Madhya Marg, where autorickshaws will be allowed to stop to pick up and drop passengers,” an official said. “Sudden stopping of autorickshaws has become a major safety concern as many accidents occur due to this practice,” he said. The engineering department of the administration has already issued tenders for the project, which is expected to be completed within two months at an estimated cost of Rs 13.15 lakh. The State Transport Authority (STA) will enforce strict compliance once the stopping points become operational. Autorickshaws stopping outside the designated areas will be fined. The action is aimed at smoothening traffic flow and improving road safety. If the pilot project proves successful, the administration plans to extend the initiative to other major routes across the city.