Caution: No Right Turn on Ajni Square to Morris College T-point During Peak Hours

The city’s traffic management is taking a new turn—literally. Wardha Road, known for its heavy traffic, is set for some significant changes aimed at reducing congestion during peak hours. As of September 23, vehicles traveling from Morris College T-point to Ajni Square will not be allowed to make right turns. These new measures, implemented by the traffic police, aim to streamline traffic flow during rush hour. Let’s dive into the details.

Why the Change?

With Wardha Road being a primary artery in the city, congestion has been a persistent issue, particularly during peak hours between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The traffic police, led by DCP Archit Chandak, have devised a traffic management strategy that restricts right turns to keep traffic flowing smoothly. The focus is to prevent vehicle pile-ups, especially around crucial junctions like Ajni Square, Rahate Colony, and Kruplani Square.

New Traffic Rules Explained

The new traffic rules are clear: no right turns during peak hours between Morris College T-point and Ajni Square. However, left turns will still be permitted at Rahate Colony T-point and Kruplani Square. Vehicles will have to follow alternative routes if they need to reach specific destinations.

Key Points of the New Traffic Plan:

1. Vehicles from Morris College T-point: No right turns at Rahate Colony Square or Kruplani Square.
2. Vehicles from Ajni Square: No right turns at Kruplani or Rahate Colony Square.
3. Vehicles from Mata Kacheri to Kruplani Square: These will be diverted to NEERI T-point, from where they can proceed toward Ajni Square.
4. Vehicles from Ajni Railway Bridge or Congress Nagar: Only left turns allowed at Kruplani Square and Rahate Colony Square, with the option to proceed straight to Shaheed Govari Flyover or toward the airport.
5. Left turns allowed: For all vehicles where right turns are restricted, left turns are permitted to keep traffic flowing.

How This Affects Daily Commuters

If you frequently travel along Wardha Road, the most noticeable change will be the restricted movement around Ajni Square and Morris College T-point. However, despite these restrictions, the police have ensured that alternative routes are in place for residents and travelers. Those living near Deekshbhoomi-Kruplani Square, for example, can make a left turn from Ajni Square, then take a U-turn to reach their homes.

Residents Near Deekshbhoomi: What You Need to Know

If you live near the Deekshbhoomi area, you won’t be completely cut off. Residents coming from Ajni Square can make a left turn toward Kruplani Square, and then take a U-turn after entering Deekshbhoomi Road to head back toward their homes. This small adjustment in the route aims to prevent traffic pile-ups without causing significant inconvenience to local residents.

Signal Timing Adjustments

To further facilitate traffic flow, the signal time at the Morris College T-point will be extended by 10 seconds. This slight increase in green-light duration is expected to help vehicles clear the area more quickly, reducing congestion on the Shaheed Govari Flyover.

The Experiment: How Long Will This Last?

These new traffic arrangements are experimental and will be enforced from September 23 to 28. Depending on how well these changes perform, the traffic police may decide to extend the restrictions or make additional adjustments. For now, the goal is simple: keep vehicles moving with fewer stops, and reduce the chance of traffic jams during peak hours.

Key Reasons Behind the Changes

• Heavy traffic flow: Over 80% of vehicles on Wardha Road go straight toward Ajni Square or Morris College T-point, while only 20% make turns at Kruplani or Rahate Colony Squares. Limiting right turns is intended to cater to the majority of traffic, keeping main roads clear.
• Short distances: The proximity of key junctions like Kruplani Square and Rahate Colony Square makes it easy for traffic to back up, causing gridlocks. By restricting certain movements, the city hopes to keep traffic moving without frequent stoppages.
• Experimental phase: The traffic police will monitor the situation closely from September 23 to 28, tweaking the system based on how well these changes work.

What About Left Turns?

Left turns are allowed at most key points, including Rahate Colony and Kruplani Square. This ensures vehicles can still navigate through the area, albeit with limited direction choices.

Key Areas Affected

Here’s a breakdown of the main points impacted by the traffic rule changes:

• Ajni Square to Morris College T-point: No right turns, left turns allowed.
• Kruplani Square and Rahate Colony Square: No right turns, left turns allowed.
• Deekshbhoomi Road: Left turns permitted for local residents, U-turns allowed to reach homes.
• Mata Kacheri to Kruplani Square: Diverted to NEERI T-point.

Anticipated Benefits of the New Traffic Plan

The new traffic plan is expected to:

• Reduce traffic jams by preventing right turns, which often slow down traffic flow.
• Allow smoother movement on Wardha Road during peak hours, with fewer interruptions.
• Improve travel time for the majority of vehicles moving straight through from Ajni Square to Morris College T-point.

Impact on Public Transportation

Public buses and other forms of public transportation may experience shorter delays due to the increased green-light durations and traffic movement efficiency. By reducing bottlenecks, public transport vehicles should find it easier to navigate the area.

What to Expect During Peak Hours

From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the new traffic rules will be enforced strictly. If you’re commuting in this time frame, expect traffic signals to be set to blinker mode at Rahate Colony Square and Ajni Square, which should help keep things moving more smoothly.

With the new no-right-turn rule between Ajni Square and Morris College T-point, the traffic police are taking important steps to address long-standing congestion issues on Wardha Road. While some adjustments may be required for drivers used to the old routes, the benefits of smoother, quicker traffic flow should outweigh the temporary inconvenience. This plan, though experimental, could very well become a long-term solution to one of the city’s busiest roads.

1. What are the timings for the new traffic rules?
   • The new traffic rules will be enforced from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, between September 23 to 28.
2. Can I make a right turn from Ajni Square during non-peak hours?
   • No, right turns are restricted even during non-peak hours during the trial period.
3. Will these changes impact public transport routes?
   • Public transport vehicles will be able to navigate more efficiently due to the extended signal times and reduced congestion.
4. How can local residents near Deekshbhoomi get home?
   • Residents can make a left turn from Ajni Square toward Kruplani Square and take a U-turn after entering Deekshbhoomi Road.
5. Will the new traffic plan be permanent?
   • The plan is currently in an experimental phase. Depending on the results observed, it may be extended or modified.