File picture of the mangled body of a car after it met with an accident at Khandagiri Square

Bhubaneswar, July 7: The transport authorities have identified Khandagiri Square as a “black spot” and proposed several precautionary measures to prevent accidents at the busy traffic junction.

According to a report of the regional transport officer, Bhubaneswar, the intersection on the NH-5 has apparently turned into a death trap due to absence of road signage, absence of any barricade between the national highway and the service road and encroachment on the service road.

“As the road from Baramunda to Khandagiri Square is on down gradient, the speed of the vehicles increases raising the chances of accident. Besides, there is no barricade between the service road and the national highway. Absence of designated footpath for pedestrians is also a major concern,” said regional transport officer Lal Mohan Sethy.

Earlier, state commerce and transport minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi had sought a report from the regional transport officer on the frequent accidents at Khandagiri Square, in the wake of death of three persons in a road mishap at the intersection two days ago.

The authorities have also found illegal parking on the service road along with the encroachment. “Heavy vehicles are being illegally parked on the service road along the highway. Similarly, many vendors have encroached on the service road,” said an official.

The authorities have advised to erect rumbles before 50 metres on each of the four roads that culminate at the square. They have also advised to install high-frequency traffic lamps on the highway to forewarn the drivers. “The rumbles will help not only in restricting the speed of vehicles, but also in pressing alarm for drivers feeling sleepy,” said an official.

The authorities have also proposed to set up a flyover between Kolathia Square and Khandagiri Square. The report will be submitted tomorrow.