Plans are afoot to open the hill by- pass road during the peak time of Dak Kanwad when lakhs of bike-borne Kanwadias would swamp into the city while congesting the roads in such a way that it even turns difficult for the pedestrians to walk. The normal weekends seeing huge traffic pileups, the people fear that if an alternative traffic route like the hill by- pass is not opened during the maximum rush of the Kanwads their ordeal on the road would turn grim. In a recent review meeting held with the local traders, Haridwar police have reached the same conclusion.
Though the administration had revamped the hill by- pass, which passes through Rajaji Tiger Reserve, at an estimated expenditure of Rs 32 crores to be thrown open during the fairs and the fests to ease traffic in the city it had not been opened during the last Kanwad season with the repair works not being completed. Besides, the park officials had shown sensitivity on the matter, citing environmental concerns with the region- rich with flora and fauna- coming under conservation zone. However, the High Court had passed an order for opening this route when it is required.
Speaking of the matter, SSP Krishna Kumar V K said, “We have talked to the forest department and consent would soon be received for the opening of the hill by- pass road. It is the only way left to ease the traffic congestion during the peak time of the Kanwar pilgrimage.”
A local trader from Haridwar Kishore Keshwani said that the decision to open the route would do much good when millions would sweep into the city during the pilgrimage, “The hill by- pass road connecting the northern part of the city with the Motichur area, the vehicles coming from Dehradun and heading to Delhi are made to pass through this road during the time of acute traffic congestion. Besides, the vehicles going from Haridwar to Dehradun are also routed this way. This ensures that the national highway is relatively free from congestion.”