Commuters violate traffic rules at Ranihat crossing in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, July 28: Traffic rule violations have become rampant at Ranihat crossing, which lacks basic infrastructure to enforce discipline on the road. Despite being an extremely busy traffic junction, no step has been taken to put a check on violations here.

The delineators (tall plastic pylons mounted on the road surface) that were installed, now lie broken at some places.

As a result, the stretch has turned into an area for people to freely cross the road without waiting for the signal.

“Ranihat crossing is the convergence point for traffic coming from College Square, Managalabag and Badambadi side via Bajrakabati Road. However, the lack of infrastructure is inconveniencing commuters here,” said Jay Pradhan, 37, a commuter.

Pradhan said there was utter chaos at the crossing, especially when commuters from the College Square side exploit the gaps between the delineators to cross the road creating problems for commuters coming from the Bajrakabati Road and waiting at the signal.

There is a heavy rush on the stretch from College Square till Matamatha via Ranihat and Mangalabag during peak hours.

The two traffic signals – Ranihat and Mangalabag square — play a crucial role in regulating the rush at respective areas.

“The lack of proper initiatives on part of the officials such as, replacements of delineators, the white marking on the road and zebra crossings near traffic signals, is causing problems for everyone,” said Chandan Jena, 42, a local resident.

Earlier, there was a similar chaos at Mangalabag traffic post where the delineators were broken at many places leaving huge gaps for people to cross.

Traffic policemen swung into action to set things right after The Telegraph had pointed out the problem in a report on July 7 and subsequently, stop boards were used to block the gaps.

The traffic officials admitted that gaps between the delineators were causing problems in regulating traffic at many places. However, such issues were being addressed simultaneously.

“Mostly the delineators are damaged by heavy vehicles that ply on the city roads at night and this is creating problems in regulating traffic at many places,” said an official.

However, the gaps between delineators have been recently closed at Mangalabag traffic signal and subsequently steps would be taken to close and replace damaged delineators soon at other places, including Ranihat, the official said.