A transformer on the Fatak-Ainthapali road in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, April 22: The general electrical department will shift electric poles and transformers that are obstructing traffic movement on two main roads of the city.

“We had requested the general electrical department to shift the poles that are obstructing traffic movement along the main roads. They agreed to initiate steps in this regard. The Western Electricity Supply Company (Wesco) will supervise the work that is to be executed by the general electrical department,” said assistant executive engineer of public works department P.K. Nath.

“The work has started. The poles will be shifted to the extreme end of the roads. The transformers, which are obstructing the traffic, will also be shifted,” said the company’s superintendent engineer P.K. Hota.

“The poles are obstructing traffic on Khetrajpur-Laxmi Talkies Road and Fatak-Aithapali Road. Around 90 electric poles will be shifted to the extreme end on these roads,” said the general electrical department’s sub-divisional officer K.D. Pradhan.

“The electric supply company will identify places to shift the transformers. The shifting will begin after they identify the places,” he said.

Residents of the city have welcomed the move. “One can spot transformers and electric poles on several major roads of the city, which cause traffic hurdles. I am happy that the government has finally thought of removing them from the roads,” said local resident Kailash Kumar Sahu.

The Fatak-Ainthapali stretch is one of the busiest roads of the city. Many vehicles ply on the road regularly. However, several electric poles and transformers are there on the road from Fatak to Ainthapali. A similar scenario can also be spotted on the Khetrajpur-Laxmi Talkies Road.

“Though the public works department has widened the Fatak-Ainthapali stretch, its width has reduced at several places because of the transformers and electric poles. We often face inconvenience because of the hurdles,” said commuter Kuna Pradhan.

“However, it is a good news that the poles and the transformers will be shifted,” he said.