Pindi in worst gridlock over cricket security
Vehicles move slowly on the broken stretch of IJP Road near Faizabad on the confluence of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. PHO-TO: EXPRESS
Even though poor traffic management means that the city suffers from some traffic gridlock daily, the arrival of the Zimbabwean cricket team on Tuesday morning and subsequent security measures meant that the city suffered some of the worst traffic jams.
School going children and office-bound motorists remained stuck in traffic for hours. Rescue vehicles were also stuck in traffic.
The main arteries of Rawalpindi, including Marir Chowk, Murree Road, Mall Road, Kucheri Chowk, Jhelum Road and others saw bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching for several kilometres.
When asked, a spokesperson for the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police (CTP) blamed construction work at Sawan Bridge.
The official maintained that traffic on some of the thoroughfares had to be diverted for a brief period due to the movement of the Zimbabwean team, but it was reopened once they had passed. The spokesperson added that construction work on the Sawan Bridge was causing traffic congestion on Jhelum Road.
The official added that traffic on Mall Road will be diverted during the practice sessions at the Rawalpindi cricket stadium, though a comprehensive traffic plan for diversions has already been issued.
Earlier in the day, the Zimbabwe team was warmly welcomed as it landed at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA).
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2020.