Traffic chaos at Kesharpur and Meria Bazar crossing. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, June 24: Many prominent streets and crossings in the city remain “unmanned” resulting in utter traffic chaos.

The Kesharpur-Meria Bazar crossing is an example of disorganised traffic in the city. The crossing, which acts as a connecting link among different destinations, is struggling to manage the rising number of vehicles.

“There is absolutely no measure to streamline traffic at the crossing, which is causing a series of problems for the commuters,” said Karim Khan (35), a resident of Kesharpur. Khan said the crossing was the worst managed junction, as there had been a series of accidents on this road. “A commuter from Buxi Bazar side cannot see the vehicles coming from Seminary Chhak, as a building near the turning creates obstruction. At least three to four accidents have occurred here in the last one week,” said Siraj Khan, a shopkeeper.

Moreover, there is an unprecedented rush at the crossing during peak hours.

Many commuters depend on the road, a converging point for the vehicles coming from Bajrabakati Canal Road, Thoria Sahi, Seminary Chhak, Kesharpur and Meria Bazar.

“We depend on the road as it acts as major thoroughfare among Mangalabag, Buxi Bazar and other prominent destinations in the city. But, the road is too narrow to manage the smooth flow of traffic. Moreover, there is no restriction for the entry of heavy vehicles, including tractors,” said Santosh Sahu (45), a commuter.

According to local residents, the officials should deploy traffic constables to check speed limit of the bikers who are creating problems for other commuters.

On the other hand, traffic sources said a number of steps had been taken to regulate traffic movement in the city.

“Efforts are on to decongest major streets by evicting illegal encroachments on either side of the roads, including Buxi Bazar, Choudhry Bazar, Bajrakabati Road and Khannagar,” said an officer. The officer said encroachments were the prime hurdle in the smooth flow of traffic. Moreover, traffic constables have been deployed at many vital crossings, including Bell View, Mahanadi Vihar and other places, which were earlier unmanned.