MP Alok Sharma Slams PWD Official Over Traffic Mess In Bhopal; Collector Instructs To Ban E-Rickshaws In School Premises

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): MP Alok Sharma on Friday held a review meeting with Collector Kaushalendra Singh and Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra to improve the city's traffic system and make it encroachment-free and the collector gave the instructions to ban e-rickshaws in school premises.

In the meeting, PWD officials were reprimanded for not working on instructions given in the previous meeting.

MP Sharma gave clear instructions that a plan to improve the left turn system at 42 major intersections of the city should be prepared in a week.

Out of these, 29 intersections are under PWD and 13 under Municipal Corporation. He asked to submit the report of these intersections with estimates with the help of traffic experts of MANIT.

The entry of e-rickshaws in schools was also discussed in the review meeting. Keeping in mind the safety of small children, the Collector gave instructions to ban e-rickshaws in school premises.

Apart from this, action to remove encroachment and condemned vehicles from the roads was also reviewed. Traffic police officials said that the action was halted for a few days due to rain, but now the campaign is being run continuously.

MP Sharma backed the proposal, adding that minors often operate these vehicles and lack of regulation poses serious risks. The city traffic police also revealed that e-rickshaws have been divided into six colour-coded zones based on operational areas. Strict action will be taken against violators.

Anti-encroachment drive back on track

The meeting also reviewed the encroachment removal drive and clearing of abandoned vehicles from roads.

Officials explained the drive had paused due to heavy rainfall but has now resumed. A dedicated anti-encroachment team, led by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), will include officers from BMC and the police to ensure consistent action across Bhopal.

Policy on electric poles and transformers

Another major issue discussed was the unplanned installation of electric poles and transformers, which are obstructing road traffic. MP Sharma emphasised that no poles or transformers should be installed without prior permission from both the Municipal Corporation and the traffic police. The Collector informed that a committee has already been formed within the electricity department and its first meeting has taken place.

Senior officials, including the Managing Director, will join the next review meeting to finalise a robust policy.

MP Sharma reiterated that traffic review meetings are held every 15–20 days and continuous efforts are being made to create a safer and more efficient traffic system for Bhopal.

Key Directives and Highlights

One-week deadline: MP Sharma directed PWD and BMC to submit a comprehensive left-turn improvement plan including cost estimates within a week. The plan will be developed with input from traffic experts at MANIT.

Budget allocation: Over Rs 3 crore has already been allocated for redesigning these left-turn points

Mobile court to be introduced to deal with traffic violations and illegal encroachments