By Jay Prakash Pandey ‘Pahadi’
Recently, a group of friends from Mumbai, all graduates of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), visited Dehradun, drawn by the Uttarakhand government’s film production subsidy scheme. The city’s serene landscapes and the allure of shooting in the Himalayas filled them with excitement. However, their journey from Mussoorie to Dehradun revealed glaring infrastructural inadequacies that dimmed their enthusiasm.
By 5:30 p.m., the early winter dusk had cloaked the hills, leaving them struggling to navigate poorly lit roads. With only a fraction of the streetlights functional, they encountered long stretches of darkness. Their excitement soon turned to frustration when a massive traffic jam greeted them at Ghanta Ghar, forcing them to spend over forty minutes inching through the chaos.
The situation worsened as they attempted to travel to Haridwar later that evening. At Rispana Bridge, the absence of traffic signals led to confusion and further delays. Beyond this, the stretch from Rispana Bridge to Haridwar flyover was devoid of any operational red lights, a situation they found inexplicable. Most of the streetlights on the flyover were non-functional, plunging the area into near-total darkness. Driving under such circumstances became increasingly unsafe, with dimly lit flyovers adding to their ordeal.
What was an inconvenience for the FTII group is a daily struggle for the people of Dehradun. Key intersections such as Panditwari, Shiv Mandir (Raipur), Nanda Ki Chowki, Rispana Bridge, Selaqui, Prince Chowk, Saharanpur Chowk routinely experience gridlocks, compounded by malfunctioning traffic lights and inadequate traffic management. These issues not only waste time but also make commuting a frustrating and unsafe experience for residents.
Dehradun’s Outdated and Insufficient Infrastructure
Dehradun’s infrastructure, originally designed for a small, tranquil town, is now overwhelmed by its expanding urban population. Roads that once catered to minimal traffic now face unprecedented congestion, particularly in areas such as Tehsil Chowk, Survey Chowk, Panditwari, Selaqui and Saharanpur Chowk. Unlike cities such as Bengaluru or Mysore, which have implemented smart traffic management systems, Dehradun continues to rely on outdated methods.
For pedestrians, the lack of dedicated pathways and crossing zones makes navigating the city a perilous task. In many parts of Dehradun, walking on the roads is akin to risking personal safety, with no footpaths or pedestrian bridges in sight.
Unmet Promises of Progress
For years, promises of modernising Dehradun’s transport infrastructure have been made. Urban trains, elevated railways, and automated traffic systems have all been discussed, yet none have seen substantial progress. This lack of action has fuelled public dissatisfaction, with many questioning the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
The city’s road network, already under strain, faces additional pressure from the growing number of tourists. Moreover, the absence of well-distributed traffic signals only compounds the problem. For example, while there are is only one red light between Vasant Vihar and Nanda Ki Chowki, areas beyond Nanda Ki Chowki—like Selaqui and Vikasnagar—remain entirely unregulated, putting both commuters and pedestrians at risk.
Poor street lighting has become a significant safety hazard across the city. Key routes, such as the Mussoorie-Dehradun Road, are dimly lit, especially during the foggy winter months, making driving extremely dangerous. Even prominent landmarks such as the Forest Research Institute (FRI) are inadequately illuminated, raising concerns for both residents and tourists traveling after dark. Addressing this issue is imperative to improving overall safety in the city.
Legal Mandates for Traffic and Street Lighting Infrastructure
The courts in India have consistently emphasised the importance of traffic signals as a critical component of urban safety and efficient traffic management. In the landmark case of AP Pollution Control Board vs Prof MV Nayudu (1999), the Supreme Court observed that ineffective traffic systems, including poorly maintained traffic lights, contribute significantly to urban pollution and public inconvenience. This judgment indirectly highlighted the role of traffic signals in reducing traffic congestion and vehicular emissions. Similarly, in the case of MC Mehta vs Union of India (2001), the Supreme Court stressed the need for synchronised traffic signals to minimise vehicle idling times, thereby reducing pollution and streamlining urban traffic flow. The Court directed the Delhi authorities to implement proper traffic management systems as part of an overarching plan to address environmental concerns.
In another significant judgment, the Delhi High Court’s Court on Its Own Motion vs Union of India (2007) case, the lack of functional traffic signals in the national capital was directly addressed. The Court instructed the municipal authorities to ensure that traffic lights were installed and properly synchronised at all major intersections. This case underlined how traffic signals are essential not only for reducing road accidents and traffic violations but also for maintaining orderly traffic flow in high-density urban areas.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also acknowledged the impact of non-functional traffic systems on urban environments. In the case of Vardhman Kaushik vs Union of India (2015), the NGT noted that dysfunctional or absent traffic signals exacerbate traffic congestion, leading to higher vehicular emissions and public health hazards. It issued directives to urban authorities to prioritise the maintenance and installation of operational traffic lights at critical junctions. Similarly, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in the Praveen Kumar vs State of Haryana (2017) judgment, highlighted the safety risks posed by non-operational traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, directing the state government to take immediate action to address these deficiencies.
In the Amritsar Traffic Management Case (2019), the Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasised the need for traffic signals as a cornerstone of urban road safety and congestion management. The Court ordered municipal authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of traffic signal systems at major intersections and ensure their proper functionality. This judgment reaffirmed that traffic lights are not a mere urban convenience but an essential safety mechanism to prevent road accidents.
The Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee Recommendations (2017) also underscored the importance of functional traffic signals as part of broader road safety measures. The Committee directed state governments to include the installation and maintenance of traffic lights in their urban planning policies, ensuring safer roads for both pedestrians and vehicles.
These legal precedents collectively demonstrate that courts in India recognise traffic signals as a fundamental part of urban infrastructure. From reducing congestion and preventing accidents to addressing environmental concerns, traffic lights are indispensable for creating safer and more efficient cities. Authorities must take these judicial directives seriously and prioritise the proper maintenance and implementation of traffic signals to meet public safety and urban development needs.
Learning from Other Cities
Dehradun can take inspiration from cities that have successfully tackled similar challenges. Bengaluru has implemented Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), which dynamically adjust traffic signals based on real-time data. Delhi’s Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) employs sensors to monitor vehicle density and optimise traffic flow. In Pune, traffic lights along major corridors are synchronised to reduce congestion, while Panaji and Mysuru have adopted sensor-based smart lights to manage traffic in high-density areas effectively.
Dehradun could implement a hybrid traffic management model by combining manual oversight in areas with heavy pedestrian movement, such as Raipur and Selaqui, with automated systems in high-traffic corridors. Kohima in Nagaland offers a viable example of how a mix of manual and semi-automated systems can address challenges in hilly terrains, a strategy Dehradun could adopt for routes like the Mussoorie Road.
The Way Forward
Dehradun’s challenges call for immediate and comprehensive action. Traffic management systems must be upgraded, starting with synchronised traffic lights at critical intersections such as Rispana Bridge, Raipur Chowk, Panditwari, Saharanpur Chowk, etc. Manual control should be prioritised in areas like Nanda Ki Chowki and Selaqui to regulate dense traffic effectively.
Infrastructure development is equally crucial. Building flyovers, widening roads, and creating dedicated pedestrian pathways will help alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Streetlights in poorly lit areas must be repaired and maintained regularly to ensure safe travel, especially at night.
Strengthening manpower is another critical step. Deploying 20–25 additional trained traffic personnel at key junctions and upgrading the skills of existing traffic managers could significantly improve regulation and safety. Public awareness campaigns on road safety and strict enforcement of traffic laws must accompany these measures to instil discipline among commuters.
Dehradun stands at a turning point. Its growing traffic and lighting challenges threaten to erode its charm and liveability. By adopting a multi-pronged approach—combining infrastructural upgrades, smart traffic management systems, manpower enhancements, and public education—the city can overcome these hurdles.
(The author is an independent writer, and Senior Official Language Officer)
