Rs 1.9 Crore Spent on New Panchkula Signboards, But Many Obscured by Trees

Panchkula, Haryana: The Municipal Corporation (MC) Panchkula has spent Rs 1.96 crore to install 60 modern retro-reflective blue signboards across the city, but many of them are already obscured by tree branches and foliage, raising questions about their effectiveness.

The project, awarded to M/s Vibgyor Industries, aims to replace older green signages with standardized blue boards in line with Indian Road Congress (IRC) norms. Officials said the new boards are designed to improve navigation and road safety, particularly for commuters unfamiliar with Panchkula’s roundabouts and arterial roads, similar to Chandigarh’s earlier transition.

Visibility Concerns

Despite the investment, commuters and residents have raised concerns about poor planning and maintenance.

“What use are new reflective gantries if they are hidden behind tree branches? At night or during rain, visibility is even worse,” said Sanjay Sharma, a daily commuter from Panchkula to Chandigarh.

Residents have also criticized the project as ‘cosmetic’, noting that older signboards installed around 2010–11 were similarly obscured and never repositioned. Shopkeepers near Sector 11 market said, “It feels like cosmetic work without ground reality checks.”

Expert Opinion

Experts emphasize that while IRC norms specify reflective sheeting and standard dimensions, clear sight lines are equally crucial. Without regular pruning and systematic audits of signages, even the most modern boards risk becoming ineffective.

The MC expects the project to be completed by the end of September, but the effectiveness of these new signboards will largely depend on maintenance and strategic placement.