Comprehensive Measures Ordered for Easing Traffic Around Educational Institutions; Focus on Safety and Infrastructure Development
Lucknow, January 29, 2026 - In a landmark decision, the Allahabad High Court has issued directives to various stakeholders, including schools and the State Government, to address the severe traffic congestion around educational institutions in Lucknow. The court's decision comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Gomti River Bank Residents against the State of Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the persistent traffic woes affecting the city's school areas.
The Division Bench, comprising Justices Alok Mathur and Brij Raj Singh, emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated action to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly around prominent schools such as City Montessori School (CMS) branches, Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, and La Martiniere Girls College.
Key directives include:
1. Staggered Timings and Parking Solutions: Schools have been instructed to implement staggered timings to minimize peak hour congestion. Additionally, schools are encouraged to allow vehicles inside their premises and to construct multilevel parking facilities where feasible. Coordination with traffic authorities is also recommended.
2. State Government's Role: The State Government has been tasked with removing seized vehicles and obstructive materials from areas near school premises to clear traffic bottlenecks. The possibility of creating parking zones in public parks and declaring certain roads as "no vending zones" is to be explored.
3. Safety Measures for Girls' Schools: In light of reported harassment incidents near girls' schools, the court has directed the Standing Counsel and Police to enhance safety measures and address any law and order concerns promptly.
4. Infrastructure Enhancements: Suggestions for covering open drains, improving underground parking facilities, and utilizing private parking areas have been made to ease congestion. Schools are expected to comply with these infrastructure development measures.
The court's decision also highlighted specific issues faced by individual schools. For instance, CMS's Station Road and Gomti Nagar branches have been directed to further improve traffic management despite previous efforts. Similarly, Seth M.R. Jaipuria School is exploring the construction of a multilevel parking facility and has suggested utilizing a nearby park for additional parking space.
The court has set a follow-up hearing for February 17, 2026, to review the progress made by the schools and the State Government in implementing these directives. The Director General of Police (Traffic) has been ordered to attend the next session to provide further suggestions.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation addressing traffic congestion and related issues around educational institutions situated in Lucknow, with specific directives to schools, State Government, and other authorities for resolution.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Traffic Management, Safety Measures, Infrastructure Development.
Gomti River Bank Residents v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2850032
