ISLAMABAD: The Bhara Kahu Bypass, which was envisioned to alleviate traffic for tourists traveling to Murree, Galiyat, and Azad Kashmir, has provided relief for many, but residents of Bhara Kahu town are still grappling with ongoing traffic congestion on the old Murree Road.
While the Bhara Kahu Bypass has proved to be a blessing for thousands of tourists journeying to scenic destinations, the authorities have implemented restrictions on bikers and heavy traffic using the bypass.
As a result, these vehicles are directed to utilize the old Murree Road, leading to bottlenecks and traffic snarls within congested Bhara Kahu town.
Groups of bikers embarking on trips to Azad Kashmir, Murree, and Galiyat are finding themselves caught in traffic jams at these bottlenecks, enduring long hours of travel in hot and humid weather conditions.
Moreover, on weekends, when tourist activity peaks, the situation worsens.
Expressing their frustration, a biker from one such group shared that upon their return journey from Murree, they encountered a frustrating hour-long traffic standstill at Bhara Kahu.
The decision to exclude bikers from the bypass puzzled him, as he pointed out that even heavy traffic was not allowed on the bypass, leading to continued congestion.
Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Captain Noorul Amin Mengal, acknowledged the restriction on bikers, citing safety concerns due to accidents.
However, he assured that the restriction might be gradually lifted over time.
Mengal emphasized that the primary purpose of the bypass was to accommodate around a hundred thousand vehicles ascending and descending the route.
Yet, the residents of Bhara Kahu remain discontented, as the bypass hasn’t fully addressed their traffic woes.
The CDA Chairman affirmed the intention to seek solutions for the persistent traffic congestion.
It is worth noting that the Bhara Kahu bypass, inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif last week, was completed for Rs. 6.25 billion within 10 months.
Source: The News
