Vehicles parked on both sides of the road cause traffic congestion on Nayasarak. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 29: Commuters may expect some respite from traffic congestion as police will launch a crackdown on illegal parking on major roads ahead of Diwali.

“We are going to launch a crackdown on illegal parking, apart from carrying out regular enforcement, which was not possible because of the recent incessant rainfall in the city,” said deputy commissioner of police S. Praveen Kumar.

Kumar said a review would also be done for provision of parking on one-side of Nayasarak and the drivers would be penalised for violating the norm.

“There is always a heavy rush and congestion at Ranihat and Mangalabag because of illegal parking on both sides of the road. The traffic personnel should initiate action against those obstructing roads by parking vehicles beyond the permissible limit (the white-line marking on either side of road),” said Tinikonia Bagicha resident Dilip Swain.

A senior official said there had already been a rush at various commercial centres during peak hours as many people had begun shopping ahead of Diwali.

Illegal parking is rampant at Nayasarak, Choudhry Bazaar, Buxi Bazaar, Ranihat and several other parts of the city, which is creating hurdles in smooth flow of traffic.

Though one-side parking provision was introduced at Nayasarak in 2011, vehicles can be found parked on both sides of the road here round the clock.

As Phailin and the subsequent rain washed out the Dussehra business, many companies have launched attractive schemes on fashion apparels and electronic gadgets ahead of Diwali.

As a result, there is a mad rush of consumers at major commercial centres at Buxi Bazaar, Choudhry Bazaar, Nayasarak, Ranihat, Magalabag, Kanika Chhack, Chandni Chowk and other areas.

“This year, there was no rush during Dussehra. But, in the past couple of days, the traffic here has been adversely affected because of frequent congestion, which is mainly for Diwali,” said Choudhry Bazaar resident Umesh Shah.

Shah said that as Cuttack was one of the major commercial centres, many small traders depended on it to purchase various commodities.

But, lack of scope for road expansion to make room for the rising number of vehicles has compounded the problems, especially for the commuters.