Chandigarh:Traffic barricades, checkpoints trigger jams across city, commuters raise concerns
By Gurpreet Singh
Chandigarh, August 8, 2026: Traffic checkpoints and extensive barricading introduced at several locations across the Chandigarh Tricity for security and vehicle checking are increasingly causing inconvenience to commuters, with residents alleging that poorly managed barricades are leading to traffic congestion on major roads.
The checking drive has intensified following recent incidents of violence, including firing and grenade attacks. Police have reportedly increased barricading not only at entry and exit points but also on internal roads, market areas and key routes across Chandigarh and neighbouring areas.
Commuters say the arrangements are causing long traffic queues, particularly during peak morning hours when employees, students and other residents travel to Chandigarh. Some residents have urged the authorities to concentrate vehicle checking at major border points rather than placing extensive barricades on busy internal roads.
They have also suggested greater use of CCTV surveillance to strengthen security while allowing traffic to move more smoothly.
Barricades at key routes add to congestion
At the VPS Chowk in Mohali, a protest by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has already been affecting traffic movement. According to commuters, the intersection is blocked from around 9:30 am to 11:30 am, forcing motorists to take alternative routes towards Chandigarh.
Those using the Burail Jail Road as an alternative route also face checking points and extensive barricading. Commuters allege that the barricades are placed across a substantial portion of the road, restricting the movement of vehicles and contributing to congestion.
Residents have also raised concerns over the manner in which the barricades are arranged, alleging that some have been placed in winding patterns that make it difficult for motorists to navigate the area and may increase the risk of accidents.
Commuters complain of delays during peak hours
Employees travelling daily from Mohali to Chandigarh said getting stuck at checkpoints during peak hours has become a regular problem.
One commuter said that being caught in traffic around 9:30 am, when people are rushing to reach their offices, causes significant delays. Similar concerns have been raised regarding checkpoints on roads near Sectors 33 and 34 and at Chandigarh-Mohali entry points.
Residents have also alleged that traffic personnel are often focused on vehicle challans while traffic movement remains slow. The claims could not be independently verified.
Another concern raised by commuters is that barricades are sometimes left on roads even after checking activity has ended. Residents cited the Chandigarh-Mohali border near Burail Jail and the Chandigarh-Zirakpur border near the CRPF picket as examples where barricades have reportedly remained on the road after duty hours.
New barricades at several locations
Commuters have also raised concerns about newly installed barricades at Sector 17, Sector 22, Sector 35 and the Sector 51-52 light point.
Residents say security checks are necessary, particularly in view of recent incidents, but have called for a balance between security measures and smooth traffic management.
They have urged the Chandigarh and Mohali authorities to review the placement of barricades, ensure that traffic personnel actively manage vehicle movement and remove barricades promptly once checking operations are over.