Alok Sharma Meets Police Over Bhopal Moti Masjid Barricades

MP Alok Sharma met police commissioner Sanjay Kumar on Saturday to discuss the problems faced by traders due to barricading near Moti Masjid in Old Bhopal. The traders have been opposing the barricading at Moti Masjid Crossing, claiming it affects the movement of vehicles towards the market and causes inconvenience to traders and customers.

The traders had staged a protest over the issue in recent days and also observed a market shutdown on Friday. Sharma apprised the police commissioner of the traders' concerns and sought a solution that would ensure smooth traffic movement without adversely affecting businesses in the area.

The barricades at Moti Masjid Square have diverted vehicles coming from Raja Bhoj Setu side towards Sadar Manzil, Chirayu Hospital and subsequently to Chowk market and Ibrahimganj. Traders said the diversion added to inconvenience and affected business activity.

Police commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the issue would be discussed with traffic police officials and experts from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology before reaching a solution. Necessary steps will also be taken to remove encroachments and improve traffic movement in the Old City, he added.

Sharma also said he would meet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to seek the early implementation of Bhopal's Master Plan. He said implementation of the plan could provide a permanent solution to traffic, parking and other urban problems.

The Master Plan aims to address the city's traffic and urban issues. Sharma said it was necessary to maintain a balance between the livelihood of traders and the city's traffic requirements, and urged the administration to take a sensitive approach while deciding on the issue.

Additional DCP traffic Basant Kumar Kaul said a team of MANIT experts would conduct a survey on Sunday to examine whether an alternative traffic arrangement could be worked out. Kaul said the barricades were installed after four-wheelers were frequently entering the Moti Masjid intersection from the wrong direction, causing traffic jams on the Sadar Manzil route.

Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, were also getting stuck in the congestion on several occasions. He said the traffic arrangement would be reviewed after a technical survey by MANIT or another expert agency.

The issue has been a major concern for traders and residents in the area. The administration's decision to install barricades was aimed at reducing traffic congestion, but it has had an adverse impact on businesses.

The meeting between Sharma and the police commissioner is a step towards finding a solution to the issue. The traders are hoping that a solution will be found soon, and the traffic arrangement will be revised to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The implementation of the Master Plan is also expected to address the city's traffic and urban issues. The plan aims to provide a long-term solution to the city's problems, and its implementation is eagerly awaited by residents and traders alike.

In conclusion, the meeting between Sharma and the police commissioner is a positive step towards addressing the issues faced by traders and residents in the area. The administration's efforts to find a solution to the traffic congestion problem are appreciated, and it is hoped that a solution will be found soon.