Traffic Woes in Jaipur: The traffic and transportation issues in Jaipur have become a common problem, with the city’s traffic situation worsening over time. The rising number of vehicles, particularly in the walled city areas, has led to frequent traffic jams, causing immense discomfort to the public. A major factor contributing to this chaos is the increasing number of e-rickshaws and the overall surge in vehicles. Once considered a city with smooth traffic, Jaipur’s traffic is now being compared to major metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. During the morning and evening hours, nearly every area of Jaipur suffers from severe traffic jams.
E-Rickshaw Policy: No Improvement in Traffic
Traffic Woes in Jaipur: In response to this growing problem, the long-pending e-rickshaw policy has finally been put into motion. The district collector has issued a notification for the regulated operation of e-rickshaws across the city, dividing Jaipur into six zones based on color codes. Despite this, there seems to be no noticeable improvement in the traffic situation, and the walled city area remains a major trouble spot with traffic jams even during the day.
Issues with the Policy Implementation
While the colour-coded system has been introduced, there are still several reasons why it is not providing relief:
- No Restriction on E-Rickshaw Registrations: The notification issued by the Jaipur collector does not have a strict provision to limit the registration of e-rickshaws. Unless this is addressed, the traffic jam problem will persist.
- Overcrowded E-Rickshaws: The number of e-rickshaws exceeds the number of traffic police officers assigned to manage them. There is a need for stronger provisions to ensure compliance with traffic rules, especially regarding operating within specific police jurisdiction limits.
Solutions in the Pipeline from the Traffic Corporation
In an effort to address the mounting traffic congestion, the Jaipur Traffic Corporation has begun taking steps to improve the situation. New traffic personnel are being appointed, and additional measures are being introduced. The Municipal Corporation is also planning to create new routes to divert traffic more effectively, which could help ease congestion in high-traffic areas.