Unregulated vehicular traffic on NH-5 (A). Telegraph picture

Kendrapara, Aug. 29: The district administration today enforced a week-long prohibition on movement of ore-laden trucks on the NH-5(A), which happens to be the major road link between the mineral-rich hinterland and Paradip port.

Unregulated plying of ore-laden trucks has triggered severe traffic congestion on the highway, paralysing lives of highway-side residents in Kendrapara district.

The authorities of Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts, Paradip Port Trust and National Highways Authority of India sat together last month to find ways to ease the traffic situation on NH-5(A). Though a number of ways and means were worked out to restore normality, traffic disorder on the highway went on unhindered compelling the Kendrapara district administration to enforce the prohibition. The district administration has initiated the drastic move under Rule 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act and Orissa Motor Vehicle Rules.

“Traffic problem because of unending line of stranded trucks on the national highway had assumed alarming proportion. It was causing enormous inconvenience to local people. Thus, we were virtually forced to clamp the ban for larger public interest. The prohibition, which was imposed on Monday, would remain effective till September 5. In the event the traffic situation does not improve, the duration of ban on movement of ore-laden trucks would be further extended,” said Kendrapara collector Pradipta Kishore Pattnaik.