PU to implement three-phase plan for vehicle-free academic zones - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

PU to implement three-phase plan for vehicle-free academic zones

Hindustan Times | By, Chandigarh
Sep 30, 2015 10:00 AM IST

A three phase plan for the execution of a ‘vehicle free academic zone’ has been worked upon by Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.

A three phase plan for the execution of a ‘vehicle free academic zone’ has been worked upon by Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.

A traffic jam at the Panjab University gate in Chandigarh(Karun Sharma/HT Photo)
A traffic jam at the Panjab University gate in Chandigarh(Karun Sharma/HT Photo)

The first phase will include the decongestion of roads which witness heavy traffic during peak hours.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In the second phase, transit parkings will be constructed, bus shuttle service and e-rickshaws will be introduced and bay parking capacity on two science block roads will be increased.

In the third phase, which would involve long term planning, multi-level parkings will be constructed.

The work on the plan started with identification of the problem, its type and quantum. It was followed by a field survey.

Phase 1

PU officials have observed that the road from Gandhi Bhawan to the three-year-law department experiences heavy traffic, particularly during morning hours. This was chaotic as the time coincides with morning classes on campus. Followed by, increased traffic during lunch hour and when classes get over.

The space between the law auditorium and students’ centre will be converted into a big parking lot and no one would be allowed to park vehicles on the roadside. Presently, the parking on the ‘kutcha’ area is allowed. This area would later be converted into proper parking space in addition to the existing one.

The road from Gandhi Bhawan/library chowk to the three-year law department will become one-way by instaling low height gates.

Either, students with cars will be allowed to come from the Gandhi Bhawan Chowk towards the law auditorium road and park their vehicles and when they return, they will use the road which goes straight from students’ centre, along the library, towards Gandhi Bhawan/library chowk (presently this road is closed withlow height gates) or vice versa.

“We will implement the first phase in a month’s time. The parking space will be prepared by then and the training of security guards will also be complete,” said PU registrar Col GS Chadha (retd), who is spearheading the varsity’s plan of four-wheeler free campus.

The plan to extend the road from the Gandhi Bhawan/ library chowk to students’ centre straight upto the road which runs from the three-year law department to the gymnasium chowk is also under consideration. Similarly, the road outside the girls’ hostel number four, five and six will be one-way during high congestion hours. Presently, during night hours the one-way traffic is already implemented.”

Phase 2

It has been observed that a lot of outsiders visit the campus during lunch hour to consume subsidised food at the students’ centre.

Transit parking lots will be developed at gate one, two and three. At gate one, which is on the PGIMER side, transit parking will be introduced near the gate on the side of the boys’ hostel.

Here visitors could park their vehicles on the basis of some payment, as per the plan. The space for parking lots near gate number two which is on Sector 15 side, and gate number three which is on Sector 25 side, are yet to be identified. These are also likely to be paid parking lots. Fourwheelers of students, faculty and other staff members will be issued stickers.

After parking vehicles at the parking lots, people can take e-rickshaws, rickshaws, shuttle service and also battery operated golf carts which will be made available.

There is also a plan to allocate space for rickshaw stands which will help commuters on campus.

“Phase two will be implemented once the transit parkings are constructed,” said Col Chadha. The bay parking capacity on two roads which leads to the science block will be increased.

The work for this is already underway. Of the two roads, one is from outside the administrative block towards gymnasium chowk and the other is from the V-C’s office chowk towards the botany department.

Phase 3

Multi-level parkings are planned in the space between University School of Open Learning (USOL), Guru Teg Bahadur Bhawan and Arun Chandra Hall.

It is also being planned on the Sector 25 campus, in the space between University Institute of Engineering and Technology and biomedical sciences building. “In the future PU authorities could also disallow the provision of hostels to those with cars.

We have forwarded this proposal and await the final call, which will be taken by the governing authority,” said Col Chadha.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 18, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On