Standing tall in the middle of a road, traffic signal pole invites mishaps in Mohali

Mohali: In a glaring case of official negligence, a traffic signal pole has been left standing in the middle of a wide road, creating a serious safety hazard for motorists and two-wheeler riders.
The issue came to light during a surprise inspection by Mohali municipal corporation deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi, who spotted the dangerously positioned pole near the Phase 10 and 11 traffic lights crossing, amid ongoing road widening work from Phase 7 to Phase 11.
Bedi, visibly disturbed by the situation, strongly criticised the contractor and concerned officials, demanding immediate removal of the pole and the construction of a slip road at the site. He was accompanied by social worker Balbir Singh Sohal during the inspection.
"The road has remained incomplete for the last two years. Traffic jams are now routine, and this pole — especially at night — is a disaster waiting to happen."
The deputy mayor said a new pole was installed right next to the existing one, without removing the old structure. Both now stand side-by-side, complete with streetlights, posing a double threat to drivers and pedestrians.
Highlighting the commercial importance of the area, Bedi said the local market, home to properties worth crores, is also suffering due to the ongoing negligence.
"There's no space left for parking. New poles have been erected without removing the old ones. Infrastructure is being disrupted, and it's unfair to shopkeepers who pay hefty taxes but get no basic amenities in return," he said.
Demand for slip road & accountability
Mohali MC deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi called for slip roads to be constructed wherever space permits to ease traffic congestion and reduce the risk of accidents. He issued a stern warning that responsibility for any mishap would rest squarely with the officials involved.
"Find a solution before it's too late," he urged the authorities, calling for swift and decisive action to resolve the matter in the interest of public safety.