Heerapura Terminal Set to Open August 1, Locals Warn of Impending Traffic Nightmare*Jaipur:* The state government’s decision to begin operations at the Heerapura bus terminal from August 1 has sparked widespread concern among residents in the surrounding areas, who fear that the move will significantly worsen traffic congestion along the Ajmer Highway corridor.The terminal, located near Bhankrota and Kamla Nehru Nagar flyovers, sits in a rapidly urbanizing area already grappling with traffic issues. Locals argue that the service lanes and underpasses near the terminal are too narrow and ill-equipped to accommodate the influx of vehicles expected once the terminal becomes operational.According to the traffic plan, buses departing from Jaipur towards Ajmer will use the side lanes of the Kamla Nehru Nagar flyover to enter the terminal and exit via the Bhankrota flyover service lanes. Inbound buses from Ajmer will make U-turns at the Kamla Nehru flyover underpass, while those heading to Jaipur will take U-turns at the Bhankrota flyover underpass to access the Jaipur-bound lane of the Ajmer Highway.Residents fear that this traffic arrangement will only exacerbate congestion. “These service lanes and underpasses can barely handle small vehicles and SUVs during peak hours. Now, they’ll have to manage long-distance buses, minibuses, autos, and cabs. It will be a daily nightmare for commuters,” said Amit Goel, a resident of Kamla Nehru Nagar.Concerns are echoed within the government as well. A senior transport department official, speaking anonymously, termed the move a potential “traffic disaster.” The official revealed that RITES, a central government transport consultancy, had earlier recommended thorough development of the terminal before any operations commenced. The state government approached a private multinational transport company for development, but the proposal was turned down citing lack of feasibility.With no other development in place, the government has chosen to begin operations in haste, leaving residents and traffic experts worried. Many are urging the authorities to reconsider or at least phase the terminal’s opening to avoid gridlock on this vital urban stretch.
