Traffic movement in Bageshwar has become severely disrupted during the festive season, with vehicles blocking roads as taxi operators pick up and drop passengers at unauthorised locations. The congestion is affecting residents and other commuters throughout the day.
Although taxi stands have been designated at the city’s entry points, operators are reportedly continuing to stop in central areas. Vehicles are being parked on roads to handle passengers despite the presence of traffic police, worsening congestion across the town.
Bus diversion adds to commuter difficulties
Under the current administrative arrangement, Roadways and KEMU buses have been stopped from entering the city and are being sent through bypass routes. KEMU and Roadways management have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision.
Devendra Rawat, KEMU station in-charge, said the restriction was unfair during the festive period, when passenger movement is at its highest. He said buses were being kept outside the town while taxi operators continued to violate traffic rules, creating difficulties for both passengers and bus services.
The complaint from the bus management is that travellers now have to face difficulties reaching the town after buses are diverted. The allegation that police are showing leniency towards taxi drivers has been made by the management and is not presented as an established finding.
Police promise stricter enforcement
Bageshwar Circle Officer Ajay Lal Sah said police were maintaining vigilance to keep traffic moving during the festive season. He said action would be taken against taxi drivers who park vehicles unauthorised on roads.
Sah added that drivers violating traffic rules would not be spared. He also said traffic police had received stricter directions to deal with the city’s congestion.
The immediate traffic problem therefore involves 2 linked issues: taxis stopping outside designated stands and regular bus services being diverted away from the town. The effect is being felt by residents, passengers and public transport operators.
Conclusion
Bageshwar’s festive-season traffic disruption has intensified amid unauthorised taxi stops and the diversion of Roadways and KEMU buses. Police have promised strict challan action against violations, while commuters continue to face difficulty reaching the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is causing traffic congestion in Bageshwar?
Taxi operators are reportedly stopping and parking at unauthorised locations to pick up and drop passengers, including areas in the middle of the city.
Q. Where are taxi stands designated?
Taxi stands have been designated at the entry points of Bageshwar.
Q. Why are Roadways and KEMU buses using bypass routes?
Under the administrative traffic arrangement, the buses have been barred from entering the city and are being diverted through bypass routes.
Q. What has KEMU said about the bus restriction?
KEMU station in-charge Devendra Rawat said diverting buses during the festive season was unfair to passengers and created difficulties for bus services.
Q. What action has the police promised?
Circle Officer Ajay Lal Sah said strict challan action would be taken against taxi drivers who park vehicles unauthorised on roads.
Q. Who is facing inconvenience because of the disruption?
Residents, passengers and public transport operators are facing difficulties because of congestion and the diversion of buses.
