Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major relief for office-goers, the Mohali administration has announced restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles on Airport Road during peak hours. Starting Monday, August 4, heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering the 18-km stretch between 8 am and 11 am, and again from 5 pm to 8 pm.
The restriction will apply to all heavy vehicles, including construction equipment carriers and multi-axle lorries. However, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles, disaster response units, and trucks carrying essential goods like milk, water, or medicines will be exempted.
Why the Ban?
The 200-ft wide Airport Road, connecting Gopal Sweets near Sunny Enclave in Kharar to Chhat lights in Zirakpur, is one of the busiest routes in the region. It links Zirakpur to New Chandigarh via Mohali, Aerocity, and IT City and serves as a key transit point for traffic coming from Delhi, Haryana, Ambala, Baddi, and Nalagarh toward Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.
A 2022 road audit revealed alarming statistics: between 2017 and 2021, the stretch witnessed 176 accidents and claimed 73 lives. Officials believe restricting heavy vehicles during peak hours will reduce congestion and enhance safety.
Authorities Speak
Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal said, “This road carries the most traffic burden. To ensure smoother traffic flow, prevent accidents, and improve commuter safety, this decision was essential.”
SP (Traffic) Navneet Singh Mahal added that the initial phase will focus on driver awareness. “We won’t start with punitive action immediately. First, we will create awareness. After that, challaning will begin. Trucks involved in industrial or commercial activities will be monitored through CCTVs and police deployment,” he said.
He also mentioned that diversion routes have been marked, with trucks approaching from Chhat lights being directed toward Landran Road. “During office hours, the mix of slow-moving heavy vehicles and fast-moving office cars increases the risk of accidents. Breakdowns of heavy vehicles also cause major traffic snarls,” Mahal noted.
Expert and Industry Reactions
Traffic expert Harpreet Singh welcomed the move but suggested additional measures. “Authorities should provide parking for trucks and consider adjusting the timing, as accident data shows the peak risk period is from 6 to 9 pm,” he said.
Vivek Kapoor, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Mohali, also supported the decision. “This is similar to the model used in Gurgaon. Heavy vehicles will be diverted to Landran Road, while Airport Road will be reserved for office-goers. However, proper maintenance of alternate routes and parking arrangements is crucial. I’d also recommend banning pressure horns,” Kapoor stated.
