The cut-point at Sikharpur crossing facing closure. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, April 22: City police have finally decided to permanently close the accident-prone cut-point at Sikharpur traffic crossing. Official sources said as many as six accidents had taken place on the crossing in the last four months, causing two deaths.

“The traffic management committee has decided to close the cut-point at Sikharpur,” said a senior traffic official. Following the closure, the existing electronic traffic signalling system would either be relocated or completely stopped, he added.

“Stress is being laid on the development of alternative and necessary infrastructure at Sikharpur after the closure of the cut-point,” said P.R. Dash, a member of the traffic management committee.

Sikharpur crossing is the converging point for highway traffic from the NH-5 and urban traffic from Mahanadi Vihar, Chauliaganj and Sikharpur sides.

Despite functioning of the electronic signalling system and adequate deployment of traffic personnel, accidents have kept occurring frequently at this busy junction.

“At times, it gets very tough to cross the road from Mahanadi Vihar or Sikharpur side as there is always an unprecedented rush here,” said Umesh Rath, a commuter.

Everyday, hundreds of heavy vehicles, including buses and trucks, ply on the busy highway, affecting vehicular movement from the city side.

However, some people have also opposed the decision of the traffic management committee to close down the opening on the road.

“The closure of the cut-point will cause problems for us as we will have to travel another 500 metres to travel towards Mahanadi Vihar, Chauliaganj and Sikharpur,” Amit Dalei, a local resident.