Traffic jam hits capital

By Kabeer Yousuf -

Wednesday 09th, October 2013 / 23:59 Written by Oman Observer 

MUSCAT — An unusual traffic rush felt across the capital threw life out of gear causing delays in appointments and impeding normal life to a great extent yesterday.
The rush was felt since morning and till late 8 pm in almost all parts of the city from Ruwi to Seeb. Vehicles were seen moving at snail’s pace and frenzied motorists negotiated shoulder lanes at many places causing further delays in vehicular movement.

“It usually takes around 15-20 minutes for me to reach my work place in Ruwi from Al Ghubra where I live. But today I took, if you believe, two hours and it turned all my appointments topsy-turvy,” Sam Kutty, a PR personnel told the Observer.

Added to this there were minor accidents where multiple vehicles were seen hit but the traffic was such that they let it go and rushed to their destination in a hurry. In Wattayah, opposite Saud Bahawan showroom, several cars were involved in a multiple crash at around 3 pm.
“I personally saw three minor accidents resulting in dents but nothing was major,” Devassy, administration manager of a group of hospitals, said.

However, the reason behind the bizarre traffic block remained unknown though. While some said it was due to the closure of traffic on one direction at Wadi Adai round about, others said increasing construction in many parts of the city caused the traffic jam. Some were of the opinion that long trail of heavy vehicles and trailers caused the impasse.
When contacted, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) officials said there was nothing unusual and it is the usual traffic visible during pre-Eid days.
“There is nothing unusual with the traffic jam. No technical issue as such. Nonetheless, I strongly feel that this is just a usual one during pre-Eid days,” Lt Gen Ali al Falahi, Head of Traffic Engineering Department at the ROP, said.