Traffic congestion along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab is leaving Ipoh Railway Station commuters exasperated, with ongoing upgrading works turning peak-hour travel into a daily bottleneck.
Metal hoardings put up to facilitate station upgrades have closed off parts of the parking area and narrowed access roads, making it difficult for drivers to manoeuvre during busy periods.
Retiree Lim Chai, 62, said the problem was exacerbated by motorists double-parking or waiting along the hoardings to drop off and pick up passengers.
“E-hailing drivers also wait along the hoardings to pick up passengers, adding to the jam.
“When there is heavy congestion, some people risk missing their trains, especially those who drive here to take the train,” he said, adding that
traffic needed to be properly managed despite paid parking facilities being made available nearby.
Regular commuter D. Narayanasamy, 81, who travels frequently to Kuala Lumpur, urged authorities to review traffic flow and consider installing traffic lights.
“I can see the difficulties faced by travellers when I come here.
“Those responsible should look into fixing the situation,” he said.
Poultry trader Muhd Daniel Fitri, 27, suggested deploying traffic wardens or caretakers to monitor the flow of vehicles, particularly during peak train arrival and departure times.
“This is important because there are many vehicles going in and out of the station during peak periods.
“Vehicles should not be allowed to park along the main road as it blocks traffic entering the station.
“The owners should use designated parking areas,” he said, adding that congestion peaked on weekends and during train arrivals.
Muhd Daniel said motorists should also be reminded to follow traffic rules and avoid obstructing traffic flow.
“Having someone monitor the area could help keep traffic moving,” he said.
Self-employed Ashat Harry said traffic congestion around the station entrance was worsened by visitors heading to a nearby court complex, police station or surrounding areas.
He said the authorities should look into ways to better manage traffic in the area.
Beyond traffic bottlenecks, physical hazards have raised safety concerns for pedestrians and marred the visual appeal of the area.
Ashat pointed out damaged, uneven walkways and litter along the pedestrian path (opposite the Ipoh police headquarters) that posed safety risks for visitors and tourists.
“My friend slipped while walking here. On another occasion, the heel of my shoe came off.
“Children and the elderly will likely fall if they are not careful.
“The authorities should inspect the area and find a proper solution,” he said.
He further said that the rubbish along the walkway was an eyesore, giving tourists a poor impression of the city.
“It should be kept clean and presentable,” Ashat added.
Retiree Ng Lian Hua, 70, also said that pedestrians had to watch their step to avoid holes along the pavement.
“It is frightening to walk here.
“One wrong step could cause a fall,” Lian Hua said, urging Ipoh City Council (MBI) to carry out permanent repairs.
“The area should be made safe for all, including the disabled, to use.”
Solutions sought
When contacted, Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) said the road in front of Ipoh Railway Station fell outside its purview and suggested seeking input from local authorities and traffic enforcement agencies.
RAC noted that a major factor contributing to congestion was drivers lingering in the drop-off lane to pick up passengers.
“This causes traffic to slow down, particularly during passenger arrival and pick-up times.
“However, the congestion usually eases after passengers have been picked up,” it said.
It added that alternative parking facilities had been opened and detailed on its Instagram account, following the closure of the parking area in front of Ipoh Railway Station from Sept 1 to facilitate upgrading works.
Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said MBI’s monitoring showed congestion was most pronounced during Electric Train Service (ETS) arrivals and departures when large volumes of vehicles arrive simultaneously.
She said the situation could become worse when vehicles queue or wait near the station entrance and junctions, affecting the main traffic flow along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab.
“The city council has been monitoring the situation and improving the traffic signage and road markings.
“However, we need to look beyond these immediate measures if congestion continues to affect road users,” she said.
For the longer term, she said one of the options was studying whether part of Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab could be converted into a one-way route.
“This will have to be assessed carefully together with the overall road network, traffic impact and the future development of the Ipoh Sentral area,” she said.
On suggestions for traffic lights, Sandrea explained that adding a signalised junction could potentially lead to traffic being backed up towards Bulatan Bahagia instead of resolving the congestion.
“Such proposals must therefore be supported by a proper traffic and technical assessment.
“Deploying traffic personnel during peak periods can be considered to maintain flow,” she said.
She stressed that the objective was not simply to introduce another traffic control measure, but to find a solution that would improve the overall flow and make access to the railway station safer and more convenient.
“I have asked the city council to continue assessing the situation and looking at possible improvements based on the actual traffic pattern in the area,” she added.
On the condition of the walkways, Sandrea promised to get MBI to inspect the area, as this was one of the busiest areas in Ipoh.
“I will get it to take immediate action, whether to repair the walkway or at least put up signage to alert the public, because safety is always a primary concern,” she said.
Asked when the public could expect a solution, Sandrea said the authorities first needed to assess the severity of the problem.
“At the moment, I am not sure whether it involves an allocation or whether work can start immediately, or if there is a process that needs to be followed.
“We will first assess the situation, plan the necessary action and then determine whether an allocation is needed or whether any area needs to be temporarily closed,” she said.
On the rubbish along the walkway, it is learnt that the area opposite the police station falls outside the purview of MBI.
Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Muhammad Najib Hamzah said the area had since been cleared through a community cleanup.
In a Facebook post, the Ipoh district police headquarters said it had organised a cleanliness programme at the parking area in front of its building to ensure the area was clean, orderly, safe and well-maintained, while providing a comfortable environment for police personnel and the public.
“Cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” it said.
