By Fazal Haq
MARDAN: Traffic congestion in Takht Bhai has intensified in recent weeks, with residents reporting daily gridlock on key roads that is disrupting routine life and creating risks for patients, students and the elderly.
The worsening traffic congestion in Takht Bhai has become particularly severe during iftar hours, when roadside vending and heavy vehicle movement bring several stretches of the town to a standstill. Local residents say the situation is affecting emergency services and basic mobility across the area.
According to community members, the road from Phatak to Baz Plaza remains heavily blocked before iftar as handcart vendors occupy portions of the carriageway. Similar conditions have been reported on Takkar Road, School Road, Pat Baba Road and Mazdoor Abad Road, where long queues of vehicles form and pedestrian movement becomes difficult.
Residents state that ambulances and vehicles transporting patients are frequently caught in traffic jams, raising concerns about delayed medical assistance. Students and daily commuters are also facing prolonged travel times due to unmanaged congestion.
Locals attribute the problem to insufficient traffic management and a lack of enforcement against encroachments. They say limited presence of traffic police and unchecked roadside vending have contributed to the growing disorder.
Public representatives and community members have urged higher authorities to introduce an effective traffic management plan for the town. They have called for stricter action against illegal encroachments and traffic violations, along with special arrangements during peak hours in Ramadan to ease pressure on major roads.
Residents have asked the district administration to prioritize road clearance and coordinated monitoring to ensure safer and smoother movement across Takht Bhai.
