Colourful banners would soon help commuters avoid snarls when R-Block gates are closed if traffic police have their way.

Bright and noticeable banners would be put up at 14 points in the city. These would inform commuters that the R-Block gates are closed. Residents know that traffic goes haywire whenever that happens. The officers expect the residents would choose alternative routes with the advance information and avoid the clogged roads.

Superintendent of police (traffic) Prantosh Kumar told The Telegraph on Tuesday that he was hopeful of getting desired results with this move.

He said: “The R-Block gates are closed every other day for some rally or the other. The people have to face a lot of problems because of traffic snarls resulting from the closure of the R-Block gates.

“Residents know the alternative routes and lanes they can take to avoid getting stuck in the traffic snarls. If they know from earlier that the R-Block gates are closed, they can choose the alternative routes to reach their destination. The police are working on the plan,” he added.

According to the plan, 14ft-high removable poles would be put up at 14 points in the city. A big banner attached to the pole would read in Hindi: “R-Block gates are closed”.

Das said the 14 areas, including Boring Road, have been picked so that people don’t get stuck in a snarl once they proceed from the point concerned. For instance, a motorist travelling from Boring Road to Fraser Road can take the Income Tax roundabout to reach the destination. But if the R-Block is closed, vehicular pressure spills on to the Income Tax roundabout. With advance information, the motorist can take Boring Canal Road or Rajabazar to reach Fraser Road without facing any major snarl.

Motorists lauded the step but also expressed caution.

Rajeev Kumar, a resident of Boring Road, said: “The plan seems innovative but then its implementation is the most important part. It is hellish on the streets whenever the R-Block gates are closed. Something needs to be done about it. Earlier, too, there had been plans but they either failed or did not take off.”

Among the 14 points selected are Kurji, Ashiana Mor, Kankerbagh, Rajendra Nagar and Gandhi Maidan. Once a rally is on route towards R-Block, the banners would be immediately set up for the people to see.

“By Thursday, we expect work on the banners to be ready. We’ll implement the plan soon. The points have been selected in such a way that people do not come face-to-face with a traffic snarl because of the closed R-Block gates,” Das said.