Gaya: Gaya roads are getting narrower by the day because of squatters and vendors. The resultant traffic chaos has added to the woes of nearly half a million residents, says Lalji Prasad, a former member of the standing committee of Gaya Municipal Corporation.

Just a few years ago Church Road, Swarajpuri Road and Nazareth Academy roads were widened from 7m to 11m. But because poles and transformers were not relocated, the usable area of the "widened" roads remained the same. The nearly Rs 10 crore spent on it went down the drain, Prasad alleged. Road safety activist Shamimul Haq says the widened roads have become accident-prone because the poles and transformers were not relocated. Fatal accidents have taken place near the Kashinath inter junction.

Conceding that the existing traffic system was problematic, district magistrate (DM) Abhishekh Singh claimed he has taken the initiative to regulate the traffic system. Gaya Sadar SDO and traffic deputy superintendent of police were directed to personally survey the trouble spots, identify the problems and suggest measures to regulate traffic in a more effective way.

The DM claimed he has received the report and action will be taken. Changes wil be introduced in two phases.

One-way system will be introduced on more roads. As of now it is there on just GB Road and Ramna Road. Here, too, violations are frequent and traffic personnel easily succumb to pressure and temptation.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rajiv Mishra, too, was serious on the issue, Singh said. Orientation programmes will be organised for police engaged in traffic management. The traffic personnel will also be provided walkie-talkies and other gadgets to rein in violators. Such arrangements will also improve the quality of traffic control.

CCTV installed at vital points will also be used to identify violators. The DM said U-turns will be introduced at points of severe traffic congestion. Poles and transformers will be relocated and squatters removed. The traffic plan includes introduction of signalling system at important points. Relocation of land registration office and shifting of wholesale market from the city's heart will also be part of the long-term measure, the DM said.