Burden off, traffic flows on Setu

Patna: The ban on plying of heavy vehicles, which triggered congestion, on the 5.575-km-long Gandhi Setu saw commuters relieved on Monday.

As the bridge is in dilapidated condition and only one flank is opened for to and fro traffic, it was a nightmare for commuters to pass through the bridge.

Patna police has put up notices at both ends of the Setu, directing heavy vehicles to take alternative route via the Rajendra rail-cum-roadbridge of Mokama or Veer Kunwar Singh bridge, popularly known as the Ara-Chhapra bridge.

Commuters, on the other hand, expressed their happiness over the decision. Mithlesh Kumar, who frequently passes the Setu said: “Goods-laden heavy vehicles were the main reason behind the traffic congestion on Gandhi Setu. The new rule has brought great relief for daily passengers. We do not need to get stuck in traffic snarls for hours.”

The order was implemented after chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh issued a notification directing the district magistrates of Patna and Vaishali to make necessary arrangements. On Sunday, Patna district magistrate Kumar Ravi ordered Patna police to implement the new rule banning heavy vehicles carrying stone chips, brick, sand, TMT bars and other materials.

Implementation of the new traffic rule immediately took burden of 10,000 heavy vehicles off Gandhi Setu. On an average, at least 50,000 vehicles cross the bridge on a daily basis of which heavy vehicles accounted for 10,000.

Patna superintendent of police (traffic) P.N. Mishra said all necessary arrangements had been made and strict action will be taken if traffic police deputed on the bridge allow any heavy vehicle to pass.

“As per the order, directions have been issued that heavy vehicles should not pass Gandhi Setu at any cost. JP Setu (road portion of Digha-Sonepur rail-cum-roadbridge) was earlier considered for the passage of vehicles carrying LPG cylinders and milk but due to some ongoing railway work, these two kinds of vehicles will be allowed to ply on Gandhi Setu between 11pm and 5am,” Mishra said.

Courtesy: The Telegraph