Traffic snarl at the Sayeed Seminary Chhak. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 1: People are having a harrowing time negotiating heavy traffic on prominent streets here. Apart from major streets, one can find traffic chaos at smaller crossings creating inconvenience for the commuters.

No step has yet been taken to solve the traffic chaos at the Sayeed Seminary Chhak crossing.

There has always been a heavy rush of traffic at the crossing which is a converging point for vehicles coming from Badambadi via Dolmundia and Haripur road, Jhola Sahi, Bangali Sahi, Buxi Bazar, Thoria Sahi, and Mangalabag areas.

The road also acts as a connecting link between the respective areas.

However, problem for road expansion and initiatives on part of the authorities to streamline traffic movement on this four-point crossing have led to traffic chaos here.

“There is absolutely no system to regulate traffic here. Moreover, commuters are always in a hurry to cross the road, which often leads to minor mishaps here,” said Sangram Mohapatra (29), a commuter.

Many commercial establishments, a nursing home, the Sayeed Seminary School and a college apart from the largest fish and meat market are located at this chhak.

“There is heavy rush from Badambadi up to the Dargha Bazar area via Seminary Chhak throughout the day. Moreover, particularly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday when people visit the fish and meat market in a large number, it becomes a tough task to negotiate with the rush and the congestion,” said Tukuna Behera (45), another commuter.

“Traffic congestion has become the go of the day here. Moreover, the area lacks adequate parking space which, in a way, creates a major problem for the smooth traffic movement,” said Samir Khan (31), a local resident.

Surprisingly, no traffic constable is deployed here, the residents allege. On the other hand, traffic sources said that adequate steps were being taken to streamline the city traffic.

“A blueprint for streamlining traffic is being prepared and simultaneously steps are also being taken to enforce traffic rules apart from creating awareness among people for not parking their vehicles in the no-parking zones at many areas,” said an official.

However, no scope for road expansion and encroachments as well are causing problems in the smooth flow of traffic in many areas. Steps have been taken to enforce traffic rules and fines collected from the violators, the official said.