Traffic chaos at Chandi Mandir Square in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Aug. 28: Traffic officials have decided to review various shortcomings in the digital signalling system that allegedly create problems in smooth vehicular movement at the busy Chandi Mandir Square here.

Sources said the roads and buildings division of the public works department had already been asked to resolve various engineering defects at the junction at the earliest.

“We have already asked the roads and buildings department officials to review the issues for which motorists are allegedly facing numerous problems at the busy crossing,” said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Pramod Rath.

Rath said there had been problems in regulating traffic despite installation of a digital signalling system two years ago because of improper road engineering.

In a report, Faulty plans add to traffic mess published on November 21, 2011, The Telegraph had raised the issue of the traffic chaos caused by defective road engineering at Chandi Mandir Square.

“It is a matter of great concern that despite electronic signalling system and deployment of two traffic officials, it has not yet been possible to put a check on traffic violations,” said Rajkishore Panda, a local resident.

Panda said there was utter chaos as motorists were often caught in the middle of roads on the junction as by the time they cross the signal, it turns red creating obstruction for commuters from other sides.

The problem is mainly because of the existing mid-verge that has two openings and a huge gap between one point of the stoppage and the other.

“There is no point in having such a signalling system at the crossing. The traffic cops should urgently close down the digital signalling system here and start regulating traffic manually by deploying two extra constables till such defects are resolved,” said Sanjay Mohanty, a motorist.

A local resident said the stoppages near Chandi mandir and the one on the Cantonment side needed to the reviewed and extended so that there was adequate space for commuters to switch lanes without waiting at the signal.

Chandi Mandir Square is the converging point for traffic coming from Kanika Chhak, Biju Patnaik Chhak, Barabati stadium, Cantonment, Mission Road, Seikh Bazar and other areas.

Hundreds of commuters depend on the junction to move towards various educational institutions located at Mission Road, Buxi Bazar and Cantonment areas.

“We have already started to rectify certain areas and the mid-verge has been painted. A signage to put a check on motorists taking u-turn has also been put up,” said executive engineer roads and buildings division Pramod Nayak.

Nayak further said that the zebra line marking on the signal would be re-done after the rainy season while efforts would shortly be initiated to rectify the engineering defects.