Prayagraj: Nearly 245 roads in Prayagraj have been identified for repair and pothole-filling work following damage caused by heavy rain, with the civic authorities also planning traffic diversions and stricter parking measures to ease congestion at key points across the city.The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by divisional commissioner Lokesh M at the commissioner’s office. Officials from the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA), municipal corporation, PWD, traffic police and representatives of trade bodies attended the meeting.The municipal corporation has identified around 96 km of roads for repair and pothole-filling, for which a tender worth around Rs 6 crore has already been completed. The PDA has identified 38 roads, including those covered under the defect liability period. The concerned agencies will be directed to repair such roads. The PWD has identified around 111 roads for similar work.Officials said repair work would begin once the rain stops. The commissioner also directed departments to prepare a coordinated plan for repairing roads leading into the city and major national highways.To address traffic congestion at major points, immediate action was ordered at Bangar Dharamshala, CMP Degree College, Phaphamau bridge, parts of Teliarganj and the stretch from Medical Chauraha towards the Ram Bagh flyover.A key measure will be implemented from Sept 12 to reduce congestion on the Phaphamau bridge. Roadways and private buses operating on the Lucknow route will be diverted via Sahso, Jhunsi and Andawa for one month. The RM Roadways and RTO have been asked to coordinate with bus operators and issue necessary directions.The civic body is also undertaking tendering for parking facilities at different locations. The commissioner directed officials to act against illegal parking and encroachments. A committee comprising municipal, traffic and trade representatives will prepare a plan to improve traffic management on the Niranjan crossing-Ghantaghar stretch.MG Road will be developed as a zero-tolerance road, with unauthorised parking, roadside encroachments and illegal shops removed. The road will also undergo beautification, while separate bins for wet and dry waste will be installed every 100 metres, along with sanitation workers.The commissioner also ordered the redesigning of MG Road’s footpaths, phased undergrounding of utilities, removal of illegal banners and action against plastic use. Toilets will be provided at major locations, while action will also be taken against people consuming alcohol inside vehicles on city roads and public places.
