Even flow: Eid day traffic plan finalised for Abbottabad

Law-enforcement aims to avoid repeat of Eidul Azha gridlocks

ABBOTABAD: Abbottabad traffic police has devised a plan to help tourists and locals move between Abbottabad, Nathigali, Mansehra and other parts down country without any hassle, said officials.

Abbottabad Traffic Branch head Inspector Jamilur Rehman said the Galiyat region and Kaghan Valley were expected to attract a large number of tourists during Eid which might cause traffic gridlocks. “We witnessed the worst ever traffic jam in Hazara division during Eidul Azha.” He recalled the congestion lasted several hours and forced authorities to improvise solutions.



Rehman said all traffic personnel were asked to remain on duty during Eid holidays.

Traffic tactics

Karakoram Highway is being separated into a dual carriageway from Muslimabad to Abbottabad Bus terminal. Traffic personnel would be deployed at every 100 metres to keep a check on blockades, added Rehman.

Rehman said Murree Road would follow a similar plan and be turned into a dual carriageway. Traffic personnel managing vehicles from Murree Chowk to Harno Bazaar would be stationed after every 300 metres.

The traffic on Nawanshehr-Mandian Road would also be regulated by traffic police on Eid days. He said two bypasses were made temporarily operational to ease the load on Murree Road and Karakoram Highway.

Small vehicles, including ambulances coming from Haripur side, would be diverted to Jabriyan Road and Police Lines near Salhad Eid Gah. Meanwhile, small vehicles coming from Nathiagali would be put on the Dhamtor-Havelian Road near Dhamtor.

Enter, exit

The inspector said such heavy traffic vehicles would not be allowed to enter from Muslimabad and Tannan barriers on Eid day between 7am and 7pm. To another question, he said more police was ordered by the DPO.

Rehman added, “A traffic warden system would be introduced in Abbottabad very soon for a more permanent solution.” After Peshawar, Abbottabad city would be the second city with this arrangement.

“The new warden system will comprise 593 officers and personnel with six vehicles and 13 motorcycles to regulate traffic in the city.” Rehman said the inauguration was expected within the next few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2015.