Traffic gridlock horrifying

Our traffic problem is more due to lack of management than oft discussed structural weaknesses. This is one sector where the government has been facing the toughest of challenges. Frankly, poor management of traffic is fast turning out into the governments Achilles' heels.
So far various measures were put into operation but these fizzled out as soon as they were attempted to be enforced. Steps taken so far were introduction of three-lane system in main thoroughfares, operating electronic signals, withdrawal of buses and minibuses more than 15 years old, enforcing use of seat-belts, helmets, barring people from using cell phones while driving and having the pedestrians take footbridges or underpasses. The main reason of the moves drawing a blank was lack of adequate homework, flawed planning and above all very poor management.
It is obvious that apart from some short-lived adhoc moves; the authorities seemed to have their eyes set on long and midterm solutions. If they would have concentrated on some immediate short term measures they could have regulated the traffic to a point of public tolerance.
In this category fall adequate parking spaces, going underground and high-rise, ordering the unfit vehicles out of the streets, linking it to import of new fleet of transport, and clearing out the pavements off small businesses. Phasing out rickshaws and prohibition of stoppages of vehicles at undesignated points could also be important steps in this direction.
Traffic management and implementation of rules need supervised work on the ground level both to infuse efficiency as well as to fight petty corruption which is rampant.
Management skills of the ground traffic personnel ought to be raised and strict enforcement of rules ensured with no compromise at any level. Awareness campaigns may be introduced round the year to educate people on traffic rules instead of occasional traffic weeks which leave no impression whatsoever.