Bhopal, With temperatures soaring above 40°C, Bhopal is witnessing an unusual shift in traffic patterns. Where mornings once meant congested roads filled with school buses and office-bound commuters, the city’s streets now appear surprisingly empty in the early hours. Instead, the traffic surge has shifted to the evenings.
This dramatic change is posing new challenges for traffic authorities and urban planners alike. Previously, rush hours between 9 and 11 a.m. would bring major intersections to a crawl. Now, it’s after 5 p.m. when roads are experiencing the heaviest flow of vehicles.
The shift is largely attributed to the scorching summer heat. Residents are avoiding unnecessary outings during peak daytime temperatures. With schools and colleges closed for summer vacation, morning footfall has further dropped.
As the sun sets and temperatures dip slightly, families and individuals are stepping out for shopping, leisure, and social outings. This rise in evening activity is also drawing crowds to marketplaces and commercial hubs, directly impacting road traffic.
Authorities are now considering adjustments in traffic management strategies to better handle the evening rush. Meanwhile, citizens are adapting their routines to beat the heat—making Bhopal’s streets come alive after sunset.
Unlike typical morning or afternoon rush hours, Bhopal experiences peak traffic congestion in the evenings during the summer. To combat this, the Traffic Police Department is strategically deploying increased personnel in key areas known for high evening traffic, such as Hoshangabad Road, Kolar Road, and the old city. This proactive measure aims to ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent gridlock as the day cools down.
– Sanjay Singh, DCP Traffic, Bhopal.
