Panjab University's Traffic Woes: A Rollercoaster Ride Towards Safety and Order
Chandigarh Delays Implementation of Policy Allowing Vehicle Access Based Solely on Stickers
Panjab University (PU) has hit a snag in its plan to restrict entry for only sticker-labeled vehicles, with VC Renu Vig postponing the implementation to the 2025-26 session due to sticker production delays. The initial rollout had been scheduled for May 1.
Y.P. Verma, PU's registrar, disclosed this update in a circular on April 4. The stickers will be used for day scholars who bring vehicles to campus, although the exact details are yet to be determined. In the meantime, issuance of stickers will continue for PU's teaching and non-teaching staff. Verma added that the university will also clamp down on outsiders and hostellers who flout vehicle rules, especially those who park their SUVs outside the boys' hostels.
In the past, PU's efforts to curtail excessive vehicle traffic have faltered, despite recommendations made during the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) visit in 2023. The university has still not introduced any concrete traffic management measures, despite two years passing since the visit.
Shaky Security Measures
Security measures at PU have shown weak spots, with insufficient vehicle checks hindering the safety strategy. For instance, while checks were more vigilant after student Aditya Thakur's murder at South Campus on March 28, these have gradually dwindled. In South Campus, vehicles are seldom stopped or checked, while in North Campus, screening does not continue throughout the day.
Cracks in PU's perimeter walls are another concern, as some areas have walls that are too low to prevent unauthorized entry. For example, the entrance near the PU gurdwara is not always monitored, and people from nearby slums frequently breach the gate to enter campus.
Reduced Outsider Presence
Despite the security issues, there has been some progress in limiting the number of outsiders on campus, according to Avtar Singh of the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU). The area around the AC Joshi library appears to be less crowded, offering students a more conducive study environment. This trend might be contributing to the loss of business for shops situated at the Student Centre that rely on footfall from outsiders, especially during exam season.
- Panjab University
- Traffic Management
- Security Measures
Overall, the specific details regarding PU's proposed traffic management system for the 2025-26 session have yet to be disclosed. To keep up with the latest developments, it's advisable to monitor the university's official announcements or contact their administration directly.
- The Panjab University's proposed traffic management system for the 2025-26 session, which includes sticker-labeled vehicles for day scholars, has not yet disclosed specific details.
- The university's traffic management measures, aimed at curtailing excessive vehicle traffic, have been inconsistent, despite recommendations made during the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) visit in 2023.
- Security measures at Panjab University have shown weaknesses, with insufficient vehicle checks and perimeter walls that may allow unauthorized entry, like the entrance near the PU gurdwara.
- Despite security concerns and ongoing efforts to reduce outsider presence, some areas around the university, such as the AC Joshi library, appear to have fewer outsiders, offering students a more focused study environment.
- The forthcoming modifications in traffic management and increased scrutiny of outsiders could potentially affect businesses located near campus, such as shops at the Student Centre that rely on footfall from outsiders, especially during exam season.
