Jaipur: Mahesh Nagar, a bustling locality in Gopalpura with a large student population, has turned into a weekly bottleneck for residents due to an illegal Thursday market that has expanded unchecked over the years, causing severe inconvenience and traffic chaos.Residents said narrow internal roads are completely choked every Thursday as street vendors line up carts on both sides, leaving little space for vehicles or pedestrians. The heavy footfall of shoppers and the surge in two-wheelers and cars worsen congestion, making routine movement difficult for locals and commuters alike.The situation has become particularly alarming near Maya Devi Hospital, where vendors have allegedly begun setting up stalls right outside the premises. Locals fear that in case of a medical emergency, ambulances and other essential vehicles may not be able to reach the hospital on time due to blocked access roads.Pawan Goyal, president of Gopalpura Bypass Traders’ Association, said the problem has steadily escalated. “Initially, the market was manageable, with only a few carts. Over time, the number of vendors and vehicles increased, creating serious problems for residents.Disputes between vendors and local households are common, and collisions with passing vehicles have also increased. We submitted several petitions and complaints to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, but no action has been taken so far,” he said.Residents and traders have now urged the Jaipur Municipal Corporation to step in and regulate or remove the illegal market to ensure smooth movement on narrow streets and unhindered access for emergency services.Attempts by TOI to contact JMC vigilance deputy commissioner Ajay Sharma for comments were unsuccessful, as he was unavailable.
