Cuttack, April 19: Residents of Shakti Nagar and nearby localities will have to cover 100 metres extra to travel towards Badambadi via Madhupatna junction due to authorities' initiative to close a cut point near Link Road.

The decision has evoked a mixed response among local residents and commuters. While the residents feel that it would be inconvenient for them to travel more in order to reach Badambadi, commuters on the stretch heaved a sigh of relief.

In 2010, the authorities had closed the median gap, which, however, was re-opened in 2014 following requests by the residents to facilitate an easy crossover. But subsequently, goons increased the gap in the median to allow four-wheelers and even heavy vehicles to take a U-turn at the point. Though the gap had been earmarked to facilitate switching of ends only for pedestrians and two-wheelers, it was found that autorickshaws and other four-wheelers were also using the opening. It led to utter chaos, and the congestion on the busy road started creating problems in smooth traffic flow, further making it an accident prone spot.

The decision for immediate closure of the cut point has been taken following Orissa High Court's observation on acute chaos at the particular spot, official sources said. Police will shortly close the gap.

"The traffic management committee has ordered for immediate closure of the cut point, and already the public works department's executive engineer has been asked to take necessary measures in this regard," said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) P.K. Dalai.

The Telegraph had, in its report ("Cut points create chaos") published on October 8, 2014, highlighted the problems faced by commuters due to the re-opening of the median gap.

"The opening was crucial for an easy access, especially for the residents of Shakti Nagar to travel towards Badambadi. It's really unfortunate that the authorities have decided to close the cut point. Had they kept tabs on the criminal activities that were responsible for illegally increasing the median gap, the situation would have been different. A timely intervention could have saved the facility," said local resident Abhinas Das.

The commuters, on the other hand, have welcomed the decision. "We are happy that the authorities have decided to close the cut point, which will ensure safety of the motorists in the long run," said Swarup Dutta, a commuter.

Dutta said many commuters, especially from the Madhupatna side, were facing difficulties in spotting the vehicles taking a U-turn from the Shakti Nagar side.

On an average, three minor mishaps take place here every week, that, too due to jaywalking and speedy turn at the gap.

Saswat Nayak, a commuter, was injured after a speeding car coming from the Madhupatna side hit his bike on April 13. Nayak said the mishap occurred while he was trying to take a U-turn at the opening. He said that had there been humps on either side of the opening, such mishaps could have been be avoided.

Earlier, there had been 19 cut points on the 2.5km stretch of the main road connecting Badambadi with Madhupatna via Link Road. However, the traffic officials have closed 15 openings keeping in view the chaos on the busy road.