79 traffic congestion points delaying AMTS, BRTS buses identified

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad’s civic authorities have launched a citywide drive to remove encroachments and improve traffic discipline after a survey identified 79 traffic congestion hotspots that were delaying AMTS and BRTS bus services across the city.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in coordination with the traffic police, has started action against illegal parking and roadside encroachments in the identified areas spread across the city’s seven zones. Officials said the move was aimed at improving traffic flow and ensuring buses adhere to schedules.

AMTS and BRTS services together cater to nearly seven lakh passengers every day, with around 1,250 buses currently operating on various routes. Civic authorities are also planning to add 3,000 air-conditioned buses over the next two years to strengthen public transport infrastructure.

According to AMC officials, nearly 75% of buses currently arrive at stops on time. However, repeated complaints were received from commuters about buses running late on several routes, particularly during peak traffic hours. Following the complaints, the civic body conducted a detailed survey to identify the reasons behind the delays.

The survey found that traffic congestion caused by illegal parking, encroachments, wrong-side driving and violation of traffic rules at 79 locations was significantly slowing down buses and affecting route schedules. Officials said buses were getting stuck for long durations at certain junctions and stretches, causing inconvenience to passengers waiting at bus stops and disrupting trip frequency.

Apart from clearing encroachments, authorities are also taking action against illegal parking and working on road infrastructure improvements to streamline traffic movement.

Officials said efforts are also being made to create parking facilities at required locations and enforce better traffic discipline to ensure smoother movement of public transport buses across the city.