The one-way traffic system introduced by the Kangra district administration in Nurpur has lost its effectiveness due to alleged poor enforcement by the local police, leading to renewed congestion in the town.

The administration had issued a notification in November 2023 to regulate traffic, which was strictly implemented from December 1, 2023. Initially, commuters and visitors lauded the decision, as it significantly eased traffic jams in congested market areas but now it has become a farce, thanks to the apathy of the local authorities.

However, the system has now collapsed and rampant violations and wrong parking and roadside parking are once again choking the town, particularly during peak traffic hours. Under the notified plan, four-wheelers were allowed entry from the Chogan side while exits were designated through Niazpur and the Court Road. Vehicles from the Housing Board Colony side were permitted to exit via the Chogan route. The main market, Chogan market and the Niazpur market were declared no-parking zones. Designated parking areas included the Mini-Secretariat, Municipal Council space in Ward-4, Housing Board Colony, a complex near the Hanuman temple, court complex and the Bachat Bhawan.

The Deputy Commissioner had issued these directions under Section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act to ensure smooth vehicular movement. The roadside parking of two-wheelers was also restricted under the plan. According to sources, the system functioned effectively for nearly three and a half months. However, it became defunct after the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections came into force on March 16 and police personnel were deployed on poll duties.

Even after the elections concluded, the one-way traffic system was not resumed, resulting in widespread non-compliance. Now, frequent traffic jams have become a daily feature in the town. People visiting the town markets and government offices are a harried lot as they are often caught in the traffic chaos.

As a consequence, traffic indiscipline has returned and unauthorised parking and violations have become a routine, adding to the difficulties of the residents and the visitors. In May 2015, the local administration had installed two automatic barricades at the exit points at a cost of over Rs 1.70 lakh with financial assistance from the Municipal Council to enforce the one-way traffic system. However, these barricades remained unused for years and the police canopies constructed alongside them became garbage dumps.