Residents of Jaipur continue to grapple with severe traffic congestion and inadequate public transport, as a slew of promised infrastructure projects have failed to materialize over the past few years. A recent presentation at the Jawahar Kala Kendra highlighted multiple initiatives, but the ground reality tells a story of significant delays and unfulfilled promises.
Announced Projects vs. Ground Reality
An official from the Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department revealed a stark gap between announcements and execution. The state government announced more than 20 projects in the last two budget sessions. However, apart from the elevated road on Gopalpura Bypass and a couple of railway overbridges, no new project has even been started. The only major project completed and opened to the public in this period was the widening of the Maharani Farm Puliya.
A second completed project, an underground parking facility at the Rambagh Golf Course, remains closed to the public. The official further pointed out that several projects were announced and later withdrawn after crores of rupees were spent on feasibility studies.
Political Transition and Project Delays
The transition between state governments has also impacted project timelines. The Civil Lines rail overbridge, which began under the previous Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, remains unfinished more than two years into the current BJP government's tenure. A Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) official defended the pace, stating the BJP government was initially focused on completing projects started by the previous administration, like the Jhotwara rail overbridge and the B2B Crossing cloverleafs.
The JDA official also noted that some past projects were shelved because they clashed with proposed metro expansions, which are a priority for the current government. However, progress on the metro itself is slow.
Key Projects in Limbo
The Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation is yet to begin construction on Phase 2, pending clearances from the Union government. An extension line from Badi Chaupar to Transport Nagar is also awaiting further feasibility studies. A senior UDH official expressed hope, stating, "Metro Phase 2 will begin soon, as will construction of the Sanganer elevated road and widening of the rail overbridge near Saras Dairy."
In another setback for public transport, the government's announced plan to introduce electric buses for intra-city movement has seen zero progress. The Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) has not procured a single e-bus so far.
The situation paints a picture of a city stuck in traffic, with grand plans stuck in files and feasibility reports. Residents await tangible action to decongest roads and provide efficient, modern transportation solutions.
