The Allahabad High Court on Friday expressed strong concern over persistent traffic congestion around girls’ schools in Lucknow during opening and closing hours and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to take urgent remedial steps.
A division bench of Justices Alok Mathur and B R Singh, hearing a public interest litigation filed by the Gomti River Bank Residents Welfare Association, noted the traffic chaos near prominent schools like A P Sen Memorial Girls PG College in Charbagh and directed the state counsel to inform the court about actions taken to address the problem.
The court observed that its earlier directions to schools—particularly regarding the parking of parents’ vehicles within school campuses—had not been followed in “letter and spirit.” It reiterated the need for effective implementation of traffic regulation measures during peak hours around school zones.
The bench summoned the Director General of Police (Traffic) to appear in person on the next hearing date to place concrete suggestions for easing congestion near school areas. The court also asked school representatives to submit their proposals through the amicus curiae appointed in the matter.
In compliance with earlier orders, representatives from several major schools—including CMS-Station Road, CMS-Gomti Nagar Extension, CMS-Gomti Nagar-I, Seth M R Jaipuria School, La Martiniere Girls College, and Loreto Convent Intermediate College—appeared before the court. They informed the bench of various efforts being made to manage vehicular movement during student drop-off and pick-up times, and some schools sought infrastructural support from the state authorities and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.
The High Court is monitoring the matter closely not only due to traffic issues but also keeping in view the broader concern of student safety. The PIL highlights that large-scale on-road parking and unmanaged traffic flow pose significant risks to schoolchildren and pedestrians.
The court fixed February 17 as the next date of hearing and directed all concerned stakeholders to submit detailed responses and suggestions before that.
