CHANDIGARH, May 15: Panjab University will roll out a one-way traffic trial on two key internal roads from Thursday in an attempt to reduce congestion and encourage non-motorized commuting among students and staff.
The initiative, originally set to begin on Monday but delayed due to border-related tensions, will now run on a trial basis for one week, with the possibility of permanent implementation depending on the outcome, university officials said.
“We will monitor the trial closely. If it goes smoothly, the new system could be formalised,” a PU official said on Wednesday.
The new one-way system will apply to both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It will cover:
• The stretch from the Arts Blocks to the Law Department, and
• The road between the Chemistry Department and the Zoology Department roundabout.
On both stretches, vehicles will be allowed to move only from south to north—from Arts to Law and Chemistry to Zoology.
The university is also looking beyond just traffic redirection. “We are encouraging walking and cycling within the campus wherever feasible,” the official added.
“This isn’t just about congestion—it’s also about promoting healthier habits.”
Officials noted that another benefit of the new system could be discouraging aimless campus driving, locally known as “gedis.”
“Cutting down on unnecessary vehicular movement is part of the goal,” the spokesperson said.
Initially, the administration had considered implementing the one-way plan across four internal roads, but decided to limit the rollout for the pilot phase. Additional traffic control measures are also under review as part of a broader campus mobility plan.
