Raipur: In a significant step to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety, Raipur’s Shastri Chowk has been declared off-limits for all passenger autos and e-rickshaws starting December 29. The decision was implemented following a thorough review by senior officials of the district administration and traffic department.

Decision to Address Traffic and Safety Concerns

The move aims to reduce the growing traffic pressure caused by passenger autos and e-rickshaws at Shastri Chowk, one of the city’s busiest junctions. Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Dr. Anurag Jha held discussions with auto-rickshaw union representatives, informing them of the decision and emphasizing the need to follow traffic regulations for smoother operations.

Review and Implementation

A day before the ban, a high-level team comprising District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, SSP Dr. Lal Umed Singh, Municipal Commissioner Avinash Mishra, RTO Ashish Devangan, and DSP Traffic Gurjeet Singh conducted an on-ground inspection of major roads, including Shastri Chowk. Observing the traffic bottlenecks caused by auto and e-rickshaw operations, the officials decided to impose the ban, which has now come into effect.

Alternative Routes for Autos and E-Rickshaws

To ensure continued connectivity for passengers, the authorities have provided alternative routes for autos and e-rickshaws:

Tati Bandh to Shastri Chowk: Autos can operate up to Shaheed Smarak Bhawan and take a U-turn via Bombay Market Cutting to return to Tati Bandh.

Railway Station to Shastri Chowk: Autos can travel up to Kachahari Chowk and return via Khalsa School Turn.

For destinations like Telibandha or Kalibadi, passengers can use the Ambedkar Chowk route via Oxygen Park.

Telibandha to Shastri Chowk: Autos can reach Nagar Ghadi Chowk and return via Banjari Chowk, Raj Bhavan Chowk, and Ambedkar Chowk.

Pachpedi Naka to Shastri Chowk: Autos can drop passengers at Banjari Chowk and return via U-turn.

For routes toward the railway station, vehicles can take the Raj Bhavan, Ambedkar Chowk, and Marhi Mata Chowk pathways.

Enforcement and Compliance

The ban applies to both petrol-operated three-wheelers and e-rickshaws. Traffic authorities have mandated strict adherence to the designated alternative routes. To avoid disruption, the auto union has agreed to comply with the new traffic plan.

A Permanent Measure

Effective immediately, the ban is a permanent measure aimed at ensuring smoother traffic flow and public safety in Raipur’s Shastri Chowk. The administration has urged passengers and vehicle operators to cooperate with the new rules and utilize the provided alternative routes.

This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing urban mobility and safety in Raipur while addressing long-standing traffic challenges in one of the city’s busiest areas.