Sanjauli’s Plea for Breathing Space: Residents Demand Traffic-Free Hours
As dusk settles over Shimla’s suburb of Sanjauli, the market road comes alive with a rush of footsteps. Students spill out of coaching centers, parents hurry home with children, and senior citizens stroll for their evening walks. But amid this daily rhythm, the constant honking of cars and the slow crawl of traffic turn the narrow stretch into a stressful maze.
Residents say the charm of Sanjauli’s flat market road—rare in Shimla’s hilly terrain—is being lost to congestion. “The road is narrow and vehicles often move in long queues, leaving us barely any space to walk,” explained Amit, a university student, weaving through the crowd. For senior citizens like Harish Daulatram, the evening walk meant for health has become a cautious shuffle along the road’s edge, dodging cars and noise.
Parents too are anxious. “Every day I worry when my daughter crosses this road after school,” said Sumeen, a mother, her voice reflecting the unease shared by many families. The mix of children, elderly walkers, and vehicles in such a confined space has raised fears of accidents.
In response, citizens have appealed to the government to impose a daily traffic ban in the Sanjauli main market during peak pedestrian hours. “Even a short window without vehicles would give us safe space to walk, talk, and breathe,” said Preeti, a local resident.
The proposal isn’t just about safety—it’s about reclaiming community life. Residents believe that traffic-free hours would transform the market into a pedestrian-friendly zone, fostering social interaction and easing the stress of daily commutes. Their appeal concludes with a simple request: prioritize people over vehicles, and let Sanjauli’s streets belong to its residents, at least for a few hours each day.
