Kolkata, 24 October (H.S.): In a bid to resolve persistent traffic congestion, parking woes, and footpath encroachments across the city, the local administration has launched a comprehensive regulatory initiative. On Saturday, Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh, accompanied by the Police Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, and other senior officials, conducted an extensive inspection of Bidhan Market to assess its basic infrastructure, road conditions, and parking facilities.

Speaking after the inspection, Ghosh stated that the city's parking management system would be upgraded and existing bus stands would be utilized optimally, with structural reorganizations if necessary. He issued a stern warning that strict action would be taken against individuals setting up unauthorized extensions in front of shops, occupying pedestrian footpaths, and obstructing thoroughfares with temporary structures.

Outlining the administration's execution strategy, the MLA explained that initial dialogues would be held with various traders' organizations to persuade them to voluntarily remove the encroachments. An extensive public awareness campaign regarding this initiative will run throughout the festive season, covering Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Diwali. Following this grace period, concrete steps to enforce the eviction and restructuring plans will commence in November.

The inspection team also addressed the severe traffic bottlenecks at crucial intersections such as Venus More, Sevoke More, and Airview More, which are primarily caused by e-rickshaws (Totos) and auto-rickshaws halting randomly on the streets to pick up passengers. The city traffic police will conduct a thorough ground survey to implement necessary regulatory measures at these busy junctions. Additionally, the administration is actively exploring the feasibility of widening roads in select heavily congested areas to ensure smoother vehicular movement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh