One-way traffic introduced at Pithapur in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 28: Police have introduced one-way traffic system in Pithapur ahead of Dusshera to ease traffic congestion.

It is the third route on which the cops have clamped restrictions on the movement of three and four-wheelers, in the city.

Senior officials said the introduction of one-way system at Pithapur, one of the major commercial centres, would help to resolve traffic jams.

“Similar provisions are already in place at two other places, including High Court and Howrah Motors,” said deputy commissioner of police Sanjeev Arora.

Arora said the decision was taken by the traffic management committee on September 16.

Traffic officials said no three and four-wheelers from Choudhry Bazar and Jhola Sahi will be allowed to move straight towards Dolmundai from Pithapur.

Vehicles, other than two-wheelers, coming from Jhola Sahi will have to take a left turn and move towards Dolmundai and Badambadi areas via Haripur Road.

Vehicles from Dolmundai and Badambadi will be allowed to move directly towards Choudhry bazaar via Pithapur.

This will ease the traffic congestion on the entire stretch from Pithapur connecting Choudhry Bazaar and Nayasarak.

The decision to restrict movement of three and four-wheelers has elicited mixed response from the traders who have demanded relaxation in the movement of trolleys in the restricted zones.

“We welcome the decision of the police. However, we request them to allow rickshaws and trolleys on the stretch,” said Sapan Behera, secretary of Pithapur market association.

Behera said the traffic officials have agreed to allow the movement of trolleys keeping in view the larger interest of the traders.

Senior officials said no vehicle other than two-wheelers, trolleys and vehicles engaged in the transportation of school children would be allowed to enter the restricted zone from 9am to 10pm.

“We will also deploy four volunteers on a daily basis to assist the traffic officials to ensure smooth movement of the vehicles,” said Niranjan Mulia, secretary Pithapur Puja committee.

Traffic officials said a fine of Rs 500 would be slapped on the violators, while the one-way system would be relaxed if there was any problem in regulating vehicular traffic during the Dussehra starting from September 30.