Nagpur: Festive shopping rush is yet to reach its peak, but in Mahal, residents say the first signs of the annual six-month traffic ordeal have already begun to surface. With Ashadhi Ekadashi over and Chaturmas underway, commercial activity is picking up ahead of Shravan, the beginning of the city’s long festive shopping season.The concern is most visible in and around Badkas Chowk, Chitar Oli, Kelibagh Road, towards Zhenda Chowk and the lanes leading towards Itwari and the market area itself. Roadside spaces will soon be occupied by hawkers and temporary festive stalls.“This is only the beginning. Within a few weeks, even taking a two-wheeler out of the house becomes difficult. Every year we face the same problem until the festive season ends,” said Shridutta Tambe, a resident of Mahal.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Residents said internal lanes turn into makeshift parking spaces leading to bottlenecks, arguments, and prolonged delays during evenings and weekends. “For nearly six months, our locality functions like an extension of the market. During the peak season, people often park vehicles in front of residential gates and, at times, even inside apartment parking areas,” said resident Shrikant Kawale.“We understand residents’ concerns, but customers have nowhere to park. Unless authorities create designated parking facilities and regulate hawkers better, vehicles will inevitably spill into the adjoining lanes,” said a trader near Gandhi Putla, Itwari.A senior traffic police officer said, “I recently took charge here, but we will take cognisance of the issue. Residents are welcome to approach us not only with their complaints but also with possible solutions, since they have lived in the area for years and understand the local challenges well. We will understand and take the necessary action.”Residents said they are not opposed to the festive business that sustains hundreds of traders but urged stricter action against illegal parking, better traffic management, and designated vending and parking arrangements to prevent residential lanes from once again becoming clogged for months.
