People cross the culvert, which is being repaired. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 10: The slow progress of the Jhola Sahi culvert’s repair has been causing traffic congestion in the area.

At present, there is heavy traffic rush at Jhola Sahi because vehicles from Bangali Sahi, Nandi Sahi, Seminary Square and Pithapur areas converge at Bhagatpur. The width of Bhagatpur road is narrow compared to the Jhola Sahi main road. Though the traffic has been diverted towards Bhagatpur, it has failed to ease the congestion in the area.

“The road at Bhagatpur is quite narrow compared to the main road at Jhola Sahi, which is the meeting point of four lanes. Though traffic constables have been deployed for better traffic management, there is regular traffic congestion due to lack of space,” said Ashok Das (55), a commuter.

Jhola Sahi is one of the busiest roads connecting Dolmundai with Choudhry Bazar areas. The road also connects Darghabazar and Buxi Bazar areas via Seminary Square.

“The Bhagatpur road connecting Jhanjir Mangalais blocked due to the construction and repair of existing drains. As a result, there is a heavy rush near Jhola Sahi, which is also facing similar problems due to construction work,” said Mantu Behera (31), another commuter.

According to the residents, it has been more than two months since work for the construction and repair of the drains and the culvert began at Bhagatpur and Jhola Sahi areas respectively.

“No doubt the work for the culvert will solve the waterlogging issues at Bhagatpur and Jhola Sahi during monsoon, but the delay in the execution of the project has not only created problems for people here,” said Kishore Das (45), a local resident.

On the other hand, local councillor Laxmidhar Pradhan has said that the culvert work is almost done. “The construction work for the culvert is almost complete and traffic related issues at Jhola Sahi and Bhagatpur will be solved soon,” said Pradhan.

The width of the drain from Ramkrushna Cottage in Bangali Sahi has been widened and has been connected with the Jhola Sahi culvert.

It is expected that the waterlogging issues would be solved to a great extent in the ward, Pradhan added.