Dist admin to step up traffic mgmt, road safety measures

Prayagraj: The district administration is stepping up measures to improve traffic management and road safety across the city.For this, District Magistrate Prayagraj, Manish Verma, directed strict action against vehicles parked illegally outside schools, hospitals, and marriage halls. The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) was instructed not to approve building plans without designated parking. sTo prevent congestion caused by incoming traffic, permanent holding areas will be developed on major city entry points along routes from Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Rewa. For key entry points such as Phaphamau, Jhunsi, and Naini, a joint team, under the leadership of ADM City, was formed to demarcate land for parking and traffic management, and the team is expected to present a detailed plan at the next meeting.To decongest Civil Lines, the area is being prepared to be declared a "No E-Rickshaw Zone", while policies for e-rickshaw operations will now include consultation with Tempo-Taxi Union officials to ensure on-ground implementation. The DM also stressed achieving a zero-fatality target, directing the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to ensure adequate availability of 108 ambulances. Cranes, cutters, and recovery vehicles will be stationed at all entry points, and both private and govt hospitals along national highways will remain on alert to provide immediate treatment to accident victims.Likewise, PWD was asked to establish clearly marked "end-to-end" zebra crossings at intersections, where street vendors, carts, and parking will be strictly prohibited. These areas will be marked with paint to ensure visibility. A joint survey by the police, transport department, and PWD will be conducted on Feb 17 to open the closed cut of the Allopibag flyover.Additionally, the city is initiating the relocation of a service station from Mirzapur to Prayagraj to facilitate fitness testing of school vehicles. Under the Save Life Foundation's Road Safety Plan, critical corridors were identified for targeted improvements.