India, Jan. 29 -- LUCKNOW Park Road, a vital 900-metre artery connecting the heart of the city, Hazratganj, to Kalidas Marg intersection and Gomti Nagar, has transformed into a severe choke point. Despite its short length, this stretch serves as a critical link for the Civil Hospital, local schools and the Lucknow Zoo. But the under-construction pavements, under the CM Grids project, have physically narrowed the road from its original 7-9 metre width.

HT learnt that this reduction in space is further complicated by illegal parking and vendor encroachments on the new sidewalks, forcing traffic into a congested flow. Alarmingly, this gridlock frequently traps ambulances attempting to reach Civil Hospital, creating a significant risk for pa...