Jaipur: The Jaipur traffic police have proposed reducing the size of Collectorate Circle in Bani Park and developing an underground parking facility nearby to address persistent traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions. According to officials, the traffic wing has submitted a long-term proposal to the district collector and the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) seeking construction of an underground parking facility in the area. The move aims to shift several parked vehicles off the roads surrounding the circle and into structured parking close to the courts and govt offices that generate heavy daily traffic. As an immediate measure, particularly in view of the upcoming Metro Phase-II construction work, the traffic department plans to send another proposal seeking to reduce the size of the circle and, if feasible, utilise part of the space for parking. “The idea is to reclaim usable road space, streamline turning movements, and potentially reorganise parking in a way that reduces random roadside stoppages,” a senior traffic official said. Officials identified two major reasons for congestion at the junction. A large number of vehicles parked along the roads occupy nearly two-thirds of the available carriageway, significantly reducing traffic capacity. The circle also serves as a major traffic corridor connecting Sikar Road, Kalwar Road and Khatipura Road with other parts of the city. “Besides three courts, the registry office, the Collectorate Office, a mini secretariat, and the Panchayati Raj department office sit adjacent to the circle, ensuring steady daily arrivals of advocates, officials, and visitors. In no way can this footfall and the number of parked vehicles be reduced. The only solution is to increase parking capacity in close vicinity to the circle and increase road space,” another senior traffic official said. JDA officials said both proposals will be placed before the Traffic Control Board for consideration. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Metro Railway Corporation is expected to begin construction of the elevated Metro corridor over the circle between Khasa Kothi crossing and Panipench in the coming months.
