Authorities have launched a pilot project to make the Palladium Mall crossroads on SG Highway signal-free for three days in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
Seven flyovers have already been built between Sarkhej and Gandhinagar to make SG Highway signal-free. While these flyovers have eased traffic flow on the main highway, congestion still occurs at traffic signals located beneath the bridges. Officials have now decided to gradually make these junctions signal-free as well.
As part of the trial, the Palladium Mall junction has been selected for the first experiment.
Currently, two traffic cuts exist beneath the flyover. Vehicles coming from the Thaltej side can take a right turn around 50 metres before the main intersection, while commuters from the Gota side can use an existing cut for U-turns before reaching the crossroads.
Under the new traffic plan, an additional cut will be created beneath the bridge for vehicles travelling from Zydus Hospital towards Palladium Mall and Gota. A similar arrangement will also be made for motorists approaching from the Thaltej side.
Officials said a total of four cuts will be introduced to make the junction signal-free. If the pilot project successfully reduces congestion, similar traffic arrangements may be introduced at other SG Highway junctions.
Civic officials said the experiment is being carried out jointly with the traffic police by restricting vehicle movement at the crossroads on a temporary basis. If the results are positive, the arrangement could become permanent. If problems arise, authorities will study the issues and make necessary corrections.
Under the proposed changes, motorists travelling from Thaltej towards Palladium Mall will no longer be allowed to cross directly at the intersection. Instead, they will have to use a newly planned right turn near the High Court area to directly access SG Highway and continue towards Palladium Mall.