Safe Commute for Students and Passengers in Nahan: 5-Km Pedestrian Path Planned Up to College
MLA Ajay Solanki Inspects Road Along with Administration; Footpath, Black Spot Improvements and Safe Bus Stops to be Developed
Nahan: In a major initiative aimed at improving road safety and strengthening urban infrastructure, steps have been initiated to make the daily commute of students, passengers and residents safer and more convenient in Nahan city. Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki, accompanied by Municipal Council President Upma Dhiman, SDM Rajeev Sankhyan and officials of the concerned departments, conducted an on-site inspection of the road to assess the requirements and possibilities for improving pedestrian and traffic safety.
Under the proposed plan, a dedicated pedestrian pathway (footpath) of approximately 5 kilometres will be developed along the main road stretching from the Birjoja Factory to Dr. Y.S. Parmar Government Post Graduate College and further down towards Govindgarh. Along with the pedestrian pathway, the project also envisages improvement of identified black spots and development of safe and properly planned bus stoppages at suitable locations along the busy route.
To expedite the implementation of the proposed plan, a joint team comprising officials from the National Highway authorities, SDM office, Revenue Department and local Patwaris carried out a detailed inspection of the entire stretch. During the inspection, officials assessed locations witnessing heavy traffic movement, areas frequently used by pedestrians and the availability of land required for developing pedestrian and other road-safety infrastructure.
The road is particularly important as it connects educational institutions and other important parts of the city. A large number of students, employees, passengers and local residents use this busy route every day. Due to increasing traffic pressure and the absence of dedicated pedestrian infrastructure at several locations, pedestrians face considerable difficulty and safety concerns while walking along the road.
MLA Ajay Solanki said that a dedicated pedestrian pathway would be developed in Nahan on the lines of similar facilities in Shimla and Solan. The proposed footpath is aimed at providing students and pedestrians with a safer and more convenient space for walking, while also helping streamline traffic movement along the main road.
The administration is also identifying suitable locations for organized bus stoppages along the route. The proposed bus stops are expected to facilitate passengers and reduce the disruption caused when buses stop directly on the main carriageway. Properly designated stopping points will also help in improving traffic management and reducing congestion on the busy road.
Ajay Solanki said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the comprehensive road-safety project. The DPR will subsequently be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for budget allocation and final approval. The project is intended to create safer and more organized transportation infrastructure for the residents, students and daily commuters of Nahan.
In addition to the road-safety measures, approximately 12.5 bighas of Municipal Council land has been identified within a radius of around 2 kilometres. According to the plan, the identified land will be utilized for expansion of public facilities and for addressing issues related to encroachments. The move is expected to provide additional scope for developing civic amenities and improving the overall urban infrastructure of Nahan.
The inspection and proposed infrastructure plan mark an important step towards creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment in Nahan. With the proposed five-kilometre pedestrian pathway, improvements at black spots, designated bus stoppages and better utilization of available land, efforts are being made to make everyday travel safer, smoother and more convenient for students, passengers and residents.