Commuters at Ipoh Railway Station are facing increased traffic congestion amid ongoing station upgrade works that have narrowed access roads and reduced parking availability. Metal hoardings installed as part of the renovation have led to the closure of portions of the station’s parking area, causing frequent bottlenecks along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab during peak hours.

Local users report that the situation is worsened by vehicles double-parking and e-hailing drivers waiting along the hoardings to pick up passengers. Retiree Lim Chai, 62, expressed frustration, noting that the congestion has caused some travelers to miss their trains. He emphasized the need for better traffic management despite the presence of paid parking nearby.

Regular commuter D. Narayanasamy, 81, who frequently travels to Kuala Lumpur, called on authorities to review current traffic arrangements and consider installing traffic signals to improve vehicle flow. Meanwhile, poultry trader Muhd Daniel Fitri, 27, recommended the deployment of traffic wardens or caretakers to oversee vehicle movement during high-traffic periods, particularly during arrivals and departures of Electric Train Service (ETS) trains. He urged drivers to avoid parking along the main road, stressing the use of designated parking zones to reduce obstruction.

Adding to the traffic concerns, some residents pointed to increased vehicle volume from visitors to nearby facilities including a court complex and police station. Self-employed individual Ashat Harry highlighted physical hazards along pedestrian walkways adjacent to the station, citing uneven pavements, holes, and litter that pose safety risks for the elderly and children. He called on authorities to undertake repairs and improve cleanliness to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both locals and tourists.

Retiree Ng Lian Hua, 70, echoed these safety concerns, urging Ipoh City Council to execute permanent repairs to damaged sidewalks to prevent accidents, especially for disabled users.

In response to queries, Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) indicated that the road in front of Ipoh Railway Station falls outside its jurisdiction and directed inquiries to local authorities and traffic enforcement agencies. RAC acknowledged that congestion often results from drivers lingering in the drop-off lanes, particularly during passenger pick-up times, but noted this congestion usually subsides once passengers have been collected. The corporation confirmed that alternative parking facilities have been established following the closure of the station’s front parking area since September 1 to accommodate upgrade works.

Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng remarked that monitoring by Ipoh City Council shows that congestion peaks coincide with ETS train schedules, when a high volume of vehicles converge simultaneously. Efforts to address the issue are ongoing, though no detailed plans have yet been announced.