Arvalli: The ban on heavy vehicles traversing the Modasa-Dhansura-Bayad-Nadiad State Highway (No. 59) in Arvalli district has been extended for another month. This decision comes after the initial month-long trial period yielded positive results, including a significant decrease in accidents and improved traffic flow.

The ban, initially implemented on February 4th, prohibits heavy vehicles, including trucks and trailers, from plying the highway between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. The move was prompted by numerous accidents caused by speeding trucks navigating through densely populated areas along the highway, which had claimed several lives and caused immense inconvenience to residents.

Local communities in more than 20 towns and villages, including Modasa, Kanjari Kampa, Hirapura Kampa, and others, have expressed relief following the implementation of the ban. These areas have been particularly vulnerable to accidents and traffic congestion due to the high volume of heavy vehicle traffic.

The district administration received positive feedback from local police stations, as well as from NGOs, educational institutions, and business associations regarding the impact of the ban. Reports highlighted a reduction in accidents and smoother traffic flow during the trial period.

While the extended ban has been welcomed, concerns have been raised about the need for better coordination with the neighboring Kheda district. Sources suggest that the current ban, limited to the Arvalli district portion of the highway, has successfully diverted traffic from Modasa onwards. However, heavy vehicles continue to enter from the Nadiad side, in Kheda district, rendering the ban only partially effective.

For a truly significant impact, traffic authorities believe that a similar ban needs to be implemented by the Kheda district administration on their stretch of the highway. Coordination between the two districts is crucial to ensure a complete restriction on heavy vehicle movement and to fully realize the intended benefits of the ban for all commuters and residents along the Modasa-Nadiad highway. DeshGujarat