The restrictions on entry of goods vehicles into city limits are nothing new. Such restrictions are in force in many cities. But in some States, the duration of restriction defies logic.

As the scribe of a transport journal, while travelling in a 40-tonne truck from Jamshedpur to Ludhiana, noted, all commercial vehicles are stopped outside Lucknow for more than 16 hours — from 6 am to 10.30 pm.

The reason: Movement of loaded heavy commercial vehicles within Lucknow city is not permitted during the period and both NH-56 (linking Lucknow with Varanasi) and NH-24 (linking Lucknow with New Delhi) pass through the heart of the city. It is not difficult to imagine the huge loss (the duration of restriction multiplied by the number affected vehicles) suffered by the economy due to the ban.

One way of avoiding the restriction is to take a detour via Barabanki. But the road to Barabanki is so narrow that heavy vehicles will find it almost impossible to negotiate it.

The other alternative is the construction of a bypass skirting Lucknow city. Whether such construction will be the priority for NHAI is of course another matter.

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