Traffic chaos at Darghabazar Square. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 1: Traffic congestion has gripped the Millennium City so much so that residents have started to avoid major city streets during rush hours.

But, the residents cannot escape traffic congestion even by avoiding the major streets, as narrow bylanes, which act as shortcuts routes, are also jam-packed. The city badly suffers from lack of adequate space to accommodate rising number of vehicles.

The Darghabazar Square area is a fine example of regular traffic congestion. The road here acts as a connecting link between Badambadi and Choudhary Bazar via Dolmundai, Haripur and Seminary Square.

The Darghabazar Road also connects Orissa High Court with Buxi Bazar via Naya Sarak, Choudhary Bazar, Gauri Shankar Park and Tinikonia Bagicha Road.

“Most commuters prefer the Darghabazar Road to travel to Choudhry Bazar or Buxi Bazar from Haripur, Dolmundai and Badambadi. However, the width of the road is narrow compared to the main road from the side of the Gauri Shankar Park. The width of the road is so narrow that it causes traffic congestions in the area,” said Jauhar Hussein (55), a resident of Darghabazar.

Many important institutions and commercial establishments, including a mega shopping complex, and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum are located at Darghabazar area.

“This is one of the busiest roads of the city. There is heavy rush on this road during peak hours. Though efforts are on to make the road encroachment free, it has failed to regulate traffic as vehicles are parked on both sides of the road, creating problems for commuters,” said Ashok Choubey (56), another local resident.

“Cuttack is an old city, and has not, therefore, been properly planned to meet the demands of the present time. There is no scope to streamline traffic unless the authorities introduce one-way traffic system and restrict entry of cars and other heavy vehicles on major roads,” said Dinesh Sharma (45), another local resident.

On the other hand, traffic police sources informed that adequate steps have been taken to streamline traffic movement in many parts of the city.

“Introduction of one-side parking on alternative days at Nayasarak has solved traffic congestion in the area to some extent. Similarly, a taxi stand and parking lots at Choudhry Bazar and Gauri Shankar Park are also functioning according to plans,” said a traffic official.

However, encroachment on both sides of roads is a major hurdle for smooth flow of traffic in many parts of Cuttack.

Awareness is being created among commuters to park their vehicles within the white-lines on either sides of the road at Darghabazar. The awareness drive has already yielded results.

“Regular checks against illegal parking on roads are also being carried out at prominent places of the city,” the official added.