Traffic congestion on Keuta Sahi road in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 25: There seems to be no respite for residents of the Millennium City who face a harrowing time negotiating heavy traffic during rush hour.

The Keuta Sahi road that acts as a thoroughfare between major destinations is struggling to keep pace with the rising number of vehicles. This has doubled the problems of local residents as well as commuters here in the city that depends on the vital road.

“There is an unprecedented rush on the Keuta Sahi road during peak hours and, at times, it becomes difficult to negotiate the heavy traffic, especially in the scorching heat,” said Deepak Agarwal (31), a commuter.

According to Agarwal, the road is very narrow. However, despite this many commuters prefer using the shortcut as it saves time and fuel. But nowadays, it is getting tough to travel from one end of the road to the other owing to heavy rush.

The Keuta Sahi road also acts as the connecting link between many areas, including Choudhry Bazar, Nandi Sahi, Gaurishankar park, Kathgada Sahi and Dargha Bazar. The commuters prefer the route to avoid traffic congestion, especially at Choudhry Bazar Square.

“There is a lack of scope for the expansion of major roads. The commuters are facing problems owing to frequent traffic congestions as the roads are unable to accommodate the rising number of vehicles,” said Illiyas Sami (31), another commuter.

Notably, the market at Keuta Sahi is one of the major and oldest in the city. The distance between two shops located on either side of the road is hardly 50 metres. Due to absence of parking place here people are forced to park their vehicles on the road obstructing the flow of traffic.

According to local residents, time has come for the authorities to introduce one-way traffic system for the cars and other heavy vehicles at least on thoroughfares to provide some respite to two-wheeler drivers.

“Not a single road is free from traffic in the city. Although a lot of steps are being taken to regulate traffic, they have failed to streamline traffic movement on prominent streets here,” said a local resident.

On the other hand, according to traffic sources, a number of steps have been introduced, including installation of traffic signals at prominent places. Similarly, steps have also being taken to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles during peak hours.

“We have already deployed traffic constables at many unmanned crossings and junctions and subsequently steps are being taken to regulate traffic in the city,” said an official.