Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report:
In a major initiative to address the worsening traffic situation in Mathura and Vrindavan, the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has prepared a comprehensive plan for the construction of two elevated corridors. The proposal, prepared under the guidance of MVDA Vice-Chairperson Smt. Lakshmi N., has been presented before senior officials and will soon be sent to the Uttar Pradesh government for approval.
Traffic congestion has become a persistent problem in both cities, particularly on the route from SBI Crossing through Bhuteshwar to Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura, and around Pagal Baba Temple in Vrindavan. During weekends, festivals, and peak pilgrimage seasons, traffic jams often leave commuters stranded for hours.
To provide long-term relief, MVDA has proposed a 3.5-kilometre elevated corridor from Machhli Phatak to Agrasen Chowk via State Bank Crossing, New Bus Stand, Bhuteshwar Tiraha, and Shri Krishna Janmasthan. The project is estimated to cost approximately ₹350 crore.
A second elevated corridor, about 800 metres long, has been proposed in Vrindavan from Pagal Baba Temple to Attalla Chungi. The estimated cost of this project is ₹75 crore. Both corridors are expected to be at least four lanes wide, with final dimensions depending on land availability.
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by ADG S.K. Bhagat and Divisional Commissioner Nagendra Pratap. Following government approval, further procedures for implementation will begin.
Strict Enforcement for E-Rickshaws and Autos
As part of efforts to improve traffic management, Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar has ordered e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws to operate strictly on their allotted routes from Friday onwards. Vehicles found operating outside designated routes will face fines of up to ₹20,000.
On the first day after announcement police launched a special enforcement drive, issuing challans to 208 e-rickshaws and impounding 104 vehicles for traffic violations across the district.
Six Dedicated Parking Areas Planned
Meanwhile, the Mathura Municipal Corporation has prepared a separate action plan aimed at providing immediate relief from congestion. Six dedicated parking areas for e-rickshaws will be developed across Mathura and Vrindavan, including two in the Trans Yamuna area and four within the twin cities.
Proposed locations include Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, the Roadways Bus Stand, and the Chhatikara area. Authorities are currently finalizing the sites.
Infrastructure Improvements Within 10 Days
The Municipal Corporation has also identified several infrastructure bottlenecks contributing to traffic congestion. Around a dozen transformers currently obstructing roads and footpaths will be relocated, while repairs will be carried out at hazardous spots such as the service road near Mandi Chauraha.
The civic body has set a target of completing these immediate improvement works within ten days. The traffic management plan has been prepared with inputs from Rahgiri Foundation, which has been studying traffic patterns and vehicle movement in the pilgrimage cities for the past eighteen months.
District Magistrate C.P. Singh is personally monitoring the efforts to improve traffic conditions, which have increasingly affected both local residents and the millions of pilgrims visiting Mathura and Vrindavan each year. Authorities hope that the combined measures will significantly improve mobility and enhance the image of the twin pilgrimage towns.
