Schools' reopening brings back traffic congestion

Traffic jams reported on key roads due to heavy presence of pick-and-drop vehicles

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RAWALPINDI:

Following the winter holidays, government and private education institutions reopened on Monday.

However, the city's traffic system has once again become severely congested.

Attendance on the first day was lower than usual, but classes for board exams began in full.

In areas of the city where both government and private schools are located, traffic jams along these roads once again became a regular issue.

On the first day, traffic on Murree Road, from Murree Chowk to Chandni Chowk, was completely blocked between 7.30am and 9am.

Similar traffic issues were observed on Rawal Road, Sixth Road, Mall Road, Liaquat Road, Saidpur Road, Gwalamandi, Gunjmandi, and Sawan Camp Road, with severe traffic congestion during school hours.

Pedestrian movement also became difficult.

Despite the presence of traffic wardens near major schools and colleges, the heavy presence of pick-and-drop vehicles, along with parents personally dropping their children off at schools, caused significant traffic jams.

Shopkeepers near schools and colleges were also affected by the traffic disruption, which impacted their businesses.

Traffic congestion was particularly worse during school dismissal times when even ambulances were caught in the jams.

The simultaneous release of a large number of students from schools and colleges also made road crossings difficult.

Local shopkeepers and pedestrians in the area have threatened peaceful protests to demand improvements in the traffic system.

Rashid Nadeem and Ghiyas, shopkeepers on Murree Road, suggested that fines be issued for violations of one-way traffic rules during school dismissal times.

They also proposed that pick-and-drop vehicles be required to park in an orderly manner, as the chaotic parking of these vehicles exacerbates the traffic problems.

Additionally, they recommended that a short break be implemented during dismissal at larger educational institutions to prevent congestion.

They emphasised that the sidewalks around schools should be kept clear for pedestrians.

The business community expressed concern that the chaotic parking during dismissal hours, which lasts for three to four hours, severely affects their operations.