Flyover a must at Tribune Chowk
A flyover at Tribune Chowk is a must to decongest a busy Dakshin Marg. The High Court has given its ruling on the basis of the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031 that a flyover cannot be built in the city in view of its heritage character. The Chandigarh Administration should start the process to amend such provisions of the Master Plan to remove legal hurdles in the construction of the flyover and other such projects in the city to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Charanjiv Singh, Chandigarh
Promote public transport
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has grounded the Tribune Chowk flyover project. To ease the traffic congestion at Tribune Chowk, public transport, carpooling and other such initiatives should be promoted.
Adish Sood, Amloh
Make it a smart junction
Instead of building another large structure, the UT Administration should redesign Tribune Chowk as a smart traffic junction. Separate slip roads for left-turning traffic towards Zirakpur, the airport and city sectors can reduce waiting time at traffic signal. Dedicated bus lanes and improved public transport connectivity can encourage commuters to leave private vehicles at home.
Anushka Thakur, Panchkula
Not destruction, it is evolution
A flyover at Tribune Chowk is not destruction, it is evolution. When the High Court has stopped the construction, the city is left with no alternative but to seek justice at a higher judicial forum so that the fundamental right to safe mobility for residents can be ensured. It must be understood that a heritage tag can never be placed above human lives.
Ravinder Nath
Protect Chandigarh Master Plan-2031
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has proposed that the Tribune Chowk flyover on Dakshin Marg cannot be permitted, as it would violate the provisions of the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031. The Bench also directed the administration to preserve and maintain the original character and urban design of Chandigarh, particularly the Phase-1 sectors, including the Dakshin Marg stretch. The Bench also stressed the need to find alternatives to reduce congestion in the city.
Sucha Singh Sagar
Four-lane roads needed
Outer ring roads can be constructed to divert traffic to peripheral towns. Subways can be built for pedestrians. Roads should be encroachment-free and no vehicle should be allowed to stop on the roadside. Slip roads and side roads can be constructed to ease congestion. Roads can be widened and turned into four lanes for smooth vehicular movement. Public transport system to peripheral towns ought to be strengthened to reduce dependency on private vehicles.
Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali
Underpass a better option
An underpass at Tribune Chowk appears a more viable option, especially in the context of unique urban planning, environmental concerns and long-term mobility goals, while avoiding many drawbacks associated with a flyover. The underpass will preserve the city’s urban character, which was designed by Le Corbusier with emphasis on visual order, open vistas, and a low-rise skyline. It will also provide better integration, allowing pedestrian movement and that of cyclists and local traffic.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
Restrict movement of commercial vehicles
The High Court’s order to halt the Tribune Chowk flyover project is a setback to efforts aimed at easing traffic congestion in the Tricity. However, it also provides an opportunity for the administration to explore alternative solutions. One such option is the construction of an underpass, as suggested by the court. To tackle the growing traffic problem effectively, the administration should consider a combination of measures. These may include imposing an entry tax on vehicles entering the city, restricting the movement of commercial vehicles during peak hours and introducing staggered office timings to reduce rush-hour congestion.
Avinash Goyal
Develop bus rapid transit corridor
An underpass along Dakshin Marg would segregate the heavy interstate transit traffic from the local city flow. Obviously, it will save the cityscape from massive concrete pillars. Expand peripheral parking lots and transit hubs at the entry points of Zirakpur and Panchkula. The UT Administration also needs to implement an efficient bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor connecting Chandigarh, Mohali and Zirakpur.
Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar
Plan shuttle bus service
Find alternative roads to ease heavy flow of traffic at Tribune Chowk. Traffic going towards the southern sectors can be diverted from the Poultry Farm roundabout towards Industrial Area for onward movement. Shuttle buses can be planned for moving people into the city from across the border.
Dr Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh
Set up a high-level committee
To address the issue of traffic congestion at Tribune Chowk, the Chandigarh Administration should constitute a high-level committee comprising stakeholders, members of the Chandigarh Planning and Heritage Committee, environmental specialists, traffic experts, RAWs and business and trade bodies. The committee’s primary mandate should be to fast-track the construction of an underpass to deliver long overdue relief to residents and promote sustainable, people centric urban development in the Tricity.
Col BS Mathauda (retd), Chandigarh
Multi-pronged approach needed
The Tribune junction can be redesigned with smart traffic lights, separate lanes for buses and bicycles and clearer road markings to keep traffic flowing. A small underpass for vehicles going straight and rotaries for local traffic can ease congestion. The slip roads must be constructed at considerable distance from the traffic lights so that people don’t have to wait for taking the left turn. Running more buses on the Zirakpur-Panchkula route will also help reduce congestion.
Dr Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh
Look for smarter, sustainable steps
Chandigarh must look for smarter and sustainable solutions to manage traffic at Tribune Chowk. Instead of another concrete structure, authorities should build an underpass combined with intelligent traffic management systems. Dedicated bus lanes, synchronised signals and pedestrian-friendly pathways can significantly reduce bottlenecks. A well-planned mobility hub would encourage public transport and discourage excessive use of private vehicles. As urban planner Jan Gehl said, “First life, then spaces, then buildings."
Devanjana Yadav, Chandigarh
UT should look for long-term solution
Instead of another flyover, the UT Administration should focus on a long-term solution that improves traffic flow without creating new bottlenecks. A well-designed underpass for through traffic, combined with smart traffic signals, can reduce waiting time at Tribune Chowk effectively. Improved public transport system, better last-mile connectivity and safe cycling tracks can help bring down the number of private vehicles on the road. Pedestrian skywalks or subways should also be developed.
Karman, Chandigarh
Create dedicated bus lanes, bike tracks
An underpass would help ease congestion at Tribune Chowk. Another idea worth looking into is ‘the overloop. It will be an elevated roundabout above the current one. It will segregate traffic at two levels without causing environmental damage that a flyover would. The High Court also told the UT Administration to encourage people to use public transport instead of private cars. Adding special bus lanes and safe bike paths on Dakshin Marg would reduce the traffic load at the chowk.
Avi Duhan, Chandigarh
Ensure better lane discipline
Construction of dedicated slip roads and underpasses for vehicles making left turn should be the priority for the UT Administration. Traffic signals must be synchronised, especially during peak hours. The authorities should also strengthen public transport by increasing the frequency of buses and promoting park-and-ride facilities for commuters entering the city. Encroachments and illegal parking around the junction must be removed strictly. Better lane discipline, clear road markings and enforcement through cameras can further enhance efficiency.
Sanjay Chopra, Mohali
Build safe cycling tracks
A well-planned underpass, dedicated bus lanes and improved traffic signal management can reduce congestion more effectively. Pedestrian bridges and safe cycling tracks should also be developed so that people are encouraged to use alternative modes of transport. The authorities must strengthen public transport by increasing the frequency of buses and introducing park-and-ride facilities near the city’s entry points.
Sukhman Kaur, Kharar
Install AI-based traffic signal system
An underpass at Tribune Chowk will channel traffic without disrupting Chandigarh’s skyline or inviting further legal objections. As an urgent measure, a smart AI-based signal system should be installed. Adaptive signals that respond to real-time traffic volume can dramatically reduce congestion without any construction delays. UT must act decisively and intelligently before another monsoon season buries the commuters of Chandigarh in avoidable chaos.
Vrinda Garg, Chandigarh
Create better infra for cycling
The CTU should increase the frequency of electric buses during peak hours to encourage commuters shift from private vehicles to public transport. Safe and continuous cycling tracks connecting residential sectors with major commercial and institutional areas should be developed to promote non-motorised transport. Shared mobility services, including cabs and feeder shuttles, can provide efficient last-mile connectivity.
Vijay Katyal, Panchkula
Shift major offices to Mohali, Panchkula
The High Court’s suggestion of an underpass at Tribune Chowk is not a bad idea. However, it may become a hassle during the rainy season due to flooding. Authorities should explore the possibility of shifting of major offices, High Court, hospitals from Chandigarh to Mohali and Panchkula to ease traffic burden on the city roads.
Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali
Conserve city’s heritage character
Instead of an elevated flyover, the UT Administration may consider constructing underpass or subway, which can improve traffic flow with minimal impact on the city’s green cover and heritage character. Tree felling should be avoided as far as possible. A committee comprising administration’s officials, traffic experts, environmental organisations, heritage groups, urban planners and residents should evaluate all alternatives.
NK Jhingan, Chandigarh
Move top court against HC judgement
The High Court has grounded the flyover project in spite of the key junction being an acute traffic bottleneck on the city’s entrance. The UT Administration should approach the Supreme Court against the HC judgement. A rush of 10 lakh cars and 20 lakh motorcycles can only be managed by a flyover. Courts should be practical in deciding matters of government interest.
Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula
Flyover no solution to traffic woes
Flyover are not a solution to the city’s traffic woes. It is the public transport which needs to be strengthened in terms of quality and quantity. Once public transport is made comfortable and easily approachable for people, the problem of traffic congestion will be solve automatically.
Dr Puneet Sachdeva, Panchkula
Build ring road around Tricity
A ring road project around the Tricity should be fast-tracked to ease congestion at Tribune Chowk and to enable multiple entries to Chandigarh. Further air and rail services should be enhanced so that road users have alternatives. The metro project far the Tricity should be completed in time-bound manner.
Col TBS Bedi (retd), Mohali
Construct another road to Zirakpur
To reduce traffic chaos at Tribune Chowk, the UT Administration should think of constructing an alternative road connecting Zirakpur with Chandigarh. This will surely reduce the congestion. This will be a more economical than erecting a big flyover. Moreover, very few trees will have to be felled for the new road.
NPS Sohal, Chandigarh
Develop integrated traffic management plan
The grounding of the Tribune Chowk flyover project should be seen as an opportunity to find a better and more sustainable solution. The UT Administration should develop an integrated traffic management plan for the key junction. A combination of an underpass for through traffic, smart traffic signals, dedicated bus lanes and well-designed service roads can significantly reduce congestion. The administration should also improve public transport connectivity and create safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Shruti Shukla
File review petition before court
The UT Administration should file a review petition before the court to seek permission for the construction of a flyover at Tribune Chowk. Chandigarh certainly needs to preserve its heritage and planned character, but changing circumstances cannot be ignored. Better infrastructure is necessary to support mobility and economic growth.
Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh
Ensure better lane management
A flyover in Chandigarh would surely affect the city’s planned character. The government can explore alternatives to ease congestion at Tribune Chowk. One of the best options is to introduce underpass. The administration should focus on improving the public transport system. Traffic signal synchronisation and better lane management can also help improve the traffic situation at Tribune Chowk and other parts of Chandigarh.
Anushka Rana, Chandigarh
Improve public transport system
A well-regulated public transport system comprising of mini-vans, metro rail to provide easy connectivity to commuters from nearby towns like Pinjore, Dera Bassi, Kurali, Kharar, Mohali, etc., can also help decongest the busy junction. A ring road around Chandigarh can also help divert the traffic from and to the nearby states.
Deepak Taak, Panchkula
Expedite road widening work
The Zirakpur-Airport Road corridor, where it meets Guru Nanak Road, has become a traffic bottleneck. Congestion regularly spills onto Chandigarh’s key junctions, including Tribune Chowk, causing widespread delays and safety hazards. The most practical solution is to widen the road from its starting point in Zirakpur. This requires coordinated land acquisition by the UT and Mohali administrations, with fair and prompt compensation to affected landowners. Expanding the corridor at the entry point will allow diversion of traffic before it enters the city’s core.
Narinder Banwait
Redesign project for smarter mobility
Though the High Court has grounded the Tribune Chowk flyover project, the need to address traffic congestion on this crucial corridor remains. A more sustainable and environmentally responsible solution can be achieved by redesigning the project. Such an approach would significantly reduce the requirement for land usage and prevent the large-scale felling of fully grown trees, thereby preserving the city’s valuable green cover.
Anil Anand, Kharar
Develop integrated traffic management system
Instead of building a flyover, the UT Administration should develop an integrated traffic management system at Tribune Chowk. Strengthening public transport is equally important. Traffic bottlenecks are often caused by poor junction design and excessive dependence on cars. A combination of smart engineering, better public transport and strict enforcement of traffic rules will provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution than constructing a flyover.
Vineet Gandhi, Manimajra
Go for two-lane underpass
The HC grounding the Tribune Chowk flyover project is not a defeat. It is a chance to choose wisdom over concrete. This must not become a tug-of-war between agencies. Solution is more important than suggestion. Build a two-lane tunnel/underpass under the Tribune junction for through traffic from Sector 7/8 to Sector 17/18. Keep the surface road intact for local traffic, buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar
Develop sustainable mobility plan
The UT should adopt a comprehensive traffic management solution. Priority should be given to an underpass or grade separator for through traffic, synchronised smart traffic signals, dedicated slip roads and improved lane discipline. A sustainable, people-centric mobility plan will ease congestion more effectively than the huge flyover projects that often shift bottlenecks elsewhere. Staggered office timings can also held decongesting the busy junction.
Dr Parvinder Singh, Mohali
