Traffic chaos prevailed across Itanagar on Thursday after the construction of the underpass in Bank Tinali started.

Traffic was diverted by the Itanagar capital region (ICR) administration to avoid the Bank Tinali section. An underpass is being constructed as part of the four-lane road project from Chandranagar to Papu Hapa.

Commuters were unable to move for hours in areas like C Sector and DDK road due to raffic jamson Thursday.

A commuter stated, “We all understand the need for an underpass, but the administration has poorly planned the whole process. Enough manpower has not been deployed on the ground to monitor the traffic congestion, especially on the intersection roads.”

ICR DC Komkar Dulom stated that the administration is trying to fix it. He said, “We are learning and sorting out the issue on a daily basis. This underpass is very important for Itanagar. The contractor has sought three months’ time to complete the work. There are problems and we understand it”.

The DC informed that the four-lane work will be over by 31st March, 2021. “The finishing work of the four-lane highway will be much better,” he claimed.

ICR SP Jimmy Chiram said that more people will be allotted to manage the traffic.

“We will put more signage for better understanding of the people. Many are still confused about the diversion, due to which problems have compounded. I appeal to the people to cooperate. Wherever there are ‘no parking’ areas, please avoid,” he said.

The SP said that the underpass would curb traffic congestion in the Bank Tinali area.

Meanwhile, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso said, “I appeal to all to join hands to help the capital administration. The capital belongs to everyone, and we all have to bear the problem for a better future. It is a temporary inconvenience”.