North News
Chandigarh, December 7
A live concert by popular Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, set to be held this evening at the Sector 34 Exhibition Ground, has sparked significant inconvenience for local office workers and residents. With over 15,000 tickets sold, the three-hour event is scheduled to begin at 7 pm and conclude at 10 pm, with seating opening hours earlier. While fans eagerly await the performance, the preparations have led to logistical challenges and mounting frustration among those in the vicinity.
Police have taken over paid parking slots near the venue, blocking regular access even for those with valid monthly parking passes. Many employees working in offices nearby have had to park at distant locations, incurring additional costs. To their dismay, parking passes for one lot were not honored at alternative locations, exacerbating the inconvenience.
Traffic jams have further compounded the chaos, especially during the evening rush hour. Commuters navigating the critical 20-34 and 22-35 roundabouts faced massive delays, with the area described as a “virtual nightmare” by locals. Past events at the Sector 34 ground have similarly resulted in gridlock, but the scale of disruption this time appears unprecedented.
Residents and office workers have criticized the Chandigarh administration and police for poor planning and lack of traffic management. “It’s hard to believe such mismanagement is happening in Chandigarh, a city renowned for its systematic planning,” one local lamented.
They urged authorities to reconsider the use of the Sector 34 Exhibition Ground for large events, proposing alternate venues to prevent such disruptions. “The administration needs to balance public enthusiasm for events with the rights and convenience of residents and workers,” another resident added.
While the concert promises an unforgettable evening for fans, it has come at the cost of significant disruption for many others.
