Malda, Oct. 26 -- In a fresh push to tackle chronic traffic congestion in Malda town, the district administration, English Bazar Municipality (EBM) and police on Monday conducted a joint inspection from Foara More to Rathbari More, identifying measures to clear encroached footpaths, regulate toto movement and introduce designated parking zones.
EBM chairman and MLA Amlan Bhaduri, Malda Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shambhudip Sarkar and English Bazar Police Station IC Pankaj Singh were among the officials who walked through the busy stretch to assess traffic bottlenecks and the difficulties faced by pedestrians.
During the inspection, traders occupying footpaths were warned to clear the encroachments. The administration will provide them with a specified period to remove their belongings and vacate the pedestrian pathways. Arrangements for alternative spaces for traders have also been considered. Officials warned that strict action would follow if the encroachments were not removed within the stipulated time. Regulating the movement of battery-operated totos has emerged as another key component of the proposed traffic management plan.
The administration is considering introducing designated entry points to control their movement within the town and prevent an excessive number of vehicles from entering congested areas.
Plans are also being considered to establish two parking zones where motorists can leave their vehicles while attending to their work in the town. Speaking after the inspection, Bhaduri said: "The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion in the EBM area and make daily commuting easier
for the public."
The administration is expected to deliberate on the proposed measures over the next seven days before taking a final decision. A subsequent enforcement drive is likely to follow.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.