Pedestrian Project curbs irk locals

Charminar: With connecting passages closed and no alternative routes for bikers between Charminar bus stop and Khilwath, many are forced to take Panch Mohalla lane which ends at the no-entry zone, near Mecca Masjid. Despite tighter traffic norms, hundreds of two-wheelers defy restrictions and sometimes get heavily penalized.  
 
Following the implementation of Charminar Pedestrian Project, no-entry boards have been placed not only at the Laad Bazaar, which connects Charminar to Motigalli, but also at the narrow lane known as Panch Mohalla. Following this development, the motorists, who earlier took route of Laad Bazaar, have swamped the Panch Mohalla lane to reach the road beyond Mecca Masjid. But, the traffic police also have imposed ‘No-entry’ for motorists coming from Khilwath to Mecca Masjid via Panch Mohalla. This did not deter the bikers, even though most of them are receiving hefty challan of Rs 1100.  

Passing through Panch Mohalla from Khilwath to Charminar bus stop is about 500 meters and this remains the shortest route. If they follow the traffic norms, it would take them a 2-km ride from Khilwath to Shalibanda and to their destination in Moghalpura (the other side of main road). Moreover, if they take the longer route the bikers should also have to cross a major signal crossing.  
“For reaching Charminar bus stop from Khilwath, the only way is Panch Mohalla lane and the Traffic Police closed the road and are also penalizing Rs 1100 as part of ‘No-entry’ mechanism, which is creating a problem for the residents, commuters and even also to the shop owners in the Panch Mohalla road, as the traffic police is not allowing to enter the road. This remains the only way for the shop owners to enter or else they have to take the Shalibanda road,” said Mohammed Rafeeq, an owner of a garment shop. He also said that due to the one-way road the business of the Panch Mohalla market has badly affected.

“While implementing the one way (no-entry) for all vehicles, it is causing problems for the residents as well as commuters. Even if the Traffic police implements it, the road must be closed on both sides, specially for 3 and 4 wheelers, as the road is small and congested,” said Imtiyaz Ahmed, a resident of Panch Mohalla.“Shop owners of the area facing problem, many of the residents are also receiving challans for taking no-entry route. It is creating a lot problem for the residents,” said Akhlaq Ahmed, another resident.

ACP Traffic (South Zone) G Naganna said the road remains one-way since the Charminar pedestrian project has been implemented. “While every road which comes under the project is being closed, but the one-way is being provided at the Panch Mohallah. Despite this, the people are flouting norms and taking the no-entry route, hence we are issuing challans,” said ACP.