(From top) Chaos at Bajrakabati crossing and cut point. An electric transformer also creates problems for free flow of traffic on the road. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 11: The absence of speed breakers at major crossings and multiple cuts along dividers have been causing a lot of problems for both pedestrians and people driving cars in the Millennium City.

The Bajrakabati crossing is a perfect example of disorganised traffic system with two cut-points — allowing people from Professorpada, Friends Colony and Kesharpur to cross the road — affecting traffic on the main road.

Neither are traffic personnel present to man the crossing during a major part of the day, nor are all the traffic signals functional. This has led to utter chaos at the prominent junction during peak hours.

“There is utter chaos at the crossing and at times it gets tough for commuters like us to cross the road,” said Janardhan Sahoo, a commuter.

Local residents said the chaos was mainly because of the absence of speed breakers that could give pedestrians time to cross the road.

The Bajrakabati Road that connects Ranihat with Badambadi is one of the busiest in the city. Earlier, a digital electronic signal was installed at the crossing but because of lack of space and congestion, the signal system was discontinued three or four months after its installation.

Apart from this, an electronic transformer near the Bajrakabati canal also affects the traffic flow on the road.

Traffic officials have admitted the multiple cut-points from Dolamundai to Bajrakabati are hindering the smooth flow of traffic in the area.

“Though there is a proposal to extend the road divider from Dolamundai to Bajrakabati Road, it has not materialised so far. Though we have requested Central Electricity Supply Utility of Orissa officials to shift the electrical transformer, no step has been taken,” said a senior official, while maintaining that traffic personnel were on the job to prevent the entry of heavy vehicles during rush hours.