Bhubaneswar: The public works department will put up signs and markings on all roads here according to the Indian Road Congress and the ministry of road transport guidelines to ensure safety of citizens.

Top officials of the works department's roads wing convened a meeting earlier this month where it was revealed that signs and markings meant to regulate traffic and ensure road safety were missing mainly on the roads that were improved or resurfaced.

"Various signs and markings often fall prey during the resurfacing and development work of the existing roads. The markings often get damaged during such works, and it affects the road safety parameters. So, we have decided to put special focus on reinstalling these signs," said chief engineer (roads) O.P. Patel.

He said executive engineers of the roads wing would conduct a survey of such roads and reinstall the markings. "They have also been directed to look after new road resurfacing works to ensure that the markings are put in place," said Patel.

According to the Indian Road Congress guidelines, urban roads should have proper markings for speed limits, turns, parking, tow-away zones, motor vehicle lanes, compulsory bus lanes, emergency services, stop signs and give-away signs among others.

Sources said the works department had also sought a monthly status report of the markings from the executive engineers in order to ensure that the markings were put in place. "We have received the direction and started surveying the damaged signs and markings to replace them," said an official.

Patia resident Nitya Mohanty said the markings were just showpieces as few followed them. However, it helps those who are willing to follow traffic rules. "I always follow the markings and it does help. Everyone should follow these markings and be safe," said Mohanty, a commuter.