Vikal Sharma
Palampur:
Responding to a news report published in The Newz Radar two days ago highlighting traffic chaos and accident risks at a dangerous point on the Palampur bypass, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Netra Meti has barred the entry of heavy vehicles, including Volvo buses, from 5 am to 8 am.
The Palampur SDM has issued the order under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code. Volvo buses and other heavy vehicles, including trucks and lorries, approaching Palampur from Delhi, Chandigarh and other states have been diverted towards Baijnath, Jogindernagar and Beed Billing via Kalu Di Hatti Chowk.
The move is aimed at reducing severe traffic congestion near the Sabzi Mandi area, a known choke point during morning hours where unloading by commercial vehicles often causes gridlock, affecting local commuters, shopkeepers and vendors alike.
Traffic police and enforcement agencies have been directed to strictly implement the new order, with legal action promised for any violations. The administration has stated the measure is temporary but necessary to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure public safety during peak activity hours.
Daily commuters describe the bypass stretch, particularly near Pachrukhi junction, as an “accident waiting to happen.”
“Buses from Palampur speed down the slope, while vehicles from the opposite direction do the same. There’s no system in place to regulate them,” said Ramesh, a commuter who crosses the point each day.
The situation is compounded by two-wheelers weaving dangerously through tight spaces, and vehicles having to navigate bottlenecks one at a time due to the lack of coordinated traffic flow.
