Security barricades placed by the police in areas around the route of a procession of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday disrupted traffic flow in several parts of the provincial capital, causing problems for commuters.
Lahore police started erecting the barriers at noon to guard the participants of the rally. However, the road blockade in the areas adjoining the route caused interruption of routine activities of the local residents.
Before the rally began, traffic congestion was reported on the roads in areas around Zaman Park, mainly the Mall Road, Canal Road, Sundardas Road and Allama Iqbal Road.
As the participants of the rally began moving, the police closed for traffic the roads and streets leading towards their route from Zaman Park to Data Darbar.
The route passed through one of the most congested and populated areas of the city, including its business hub. There is a huge traffic rush on the roads in the areas along the route on routine days.
Due to the rally and security arrangements, commuters remained struck on roads for long periods of time despite diversions arranged by the city traffic police to deal with the situation.
According to a spokesperson for the traffic police, vehicles travelling from Shahdara and Badami Bagh were diverted to Mall Road and the secretariat via Ring Road, Saggian and Katcheri Chowk. Roads leading to the Lahore Railway Station and Do Moria Bridge towards Bhati Chowk and Data Darbar were completely shut for traffic.
Traffic from Data Darbar was diverted from Pir Makki, Katcheri Chowk to Canal Road, Mall Road, Jail Road and GT Road.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Mustansir Feroz confirmed that diversions had been arranged from certain roads and intersections because of the rally.
He said traffic and police officers had remained present on the spot to guide commuters towards the available alternative routes. He added that citizens had also been informed through the electronic and social media about the alternative routes.
The official said instructions had been issued to the traffic wardens to treat the citizens with kindness and courtesy on the occasion.
The wardens were also instructed to keep a close watch on suspicious persons and unclaimed items he added.
The citizens were continuously informed about the traffic situation through the Rasta mobile application and FM radio channel, while the phone helpline 15 was also available for guidance and assistance, the CTO added.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 14th, 2023.
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