Traffic jams, bitter bickering near Kailash Colony Metro stn an everyday affair

To provide a credible solution to the traffic woes leading to chaos and noise pollution for those residing in East of Kailash and commuters who pass through either sides of Kailash Colony Metro station on Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Delhi Traffic police has imposed a 24x7 prohibition of entry of slow-moving vehicles like cycle rickshaws, hand-carts and animal-driven vehicles on the stretch.

The initial comfort of witnessing a metro station come up in front of one’s house has simply evaporated in the area. The reason being the daily commuting woes including traffic congestion, noise, bitter arguments and altercations in front of the Kailash Colony Metro station. 

Kailash Colony Metro station, that opened during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, has brought a host of fresh problems for the residents who live very near the station. Traffic jams, arguments with rickshaw-pullers and increased noise pollution — residents on Lala Lajpat Rai Path in East of Kailash have been at the receiving end on many fronts since the day the metro station was thrown open.

Delhi Traffic Police along with district police were receiving so many complaints about the traffic jams and arguments with the rickshaw-pullers.  On Wednesday, Delhi Traffic Police has issued an order that no slow-moving vehicles will ply on either side of Kailash Colony Metro station on Lala Lajpat Rai Marg. 

These slow-moving vehicles on the main road create traffic congestion and obstruction in smooth flow of traffic. “Rickshaws block the carriageway and cause long jams on this road, especially during peak hours. To add to the problem, auto-rickshaws also stop outside the Metro station to pick up passengers. Ever since the station was made operational, driving on this stretch has become a nightmare,” said Rakesh, an owner of a showroom in East of Kailash.

“Initially the residents of the area had opposed the building of the station at its present location, however, the Metro and other government agencies had promised them that parking of rickshaws on the main road would be made “illegal and punishable” to ensure smooth traffic flow. But since October 2010, the problem has not been resolved,” said Meenakshi, a member of RWA of East of Kailash.

Another resident added that the traffic mess has also increased noise pollution as motorists honk so much in that area. “I stay in a house facing the main road and the Metro station is barely few meters away. But I can’t open the windows and doors due to noise pollution. My family members can’t utilise the garden outside the house as well,” he added.