Sambalpur, Jan. 8: A proposal mooted three years ago for setting up two truck terminals in the district is yet to materialise.

Sambalpur Development Authority had passed a resolution in 2011 to set up truck terminals at Sambalpur and Rengali. But no progress has been made in this regard.

In the absence of terminals, trucks are seen parked along the highways in Sambalpur and Rengali and this causes severe traffic problems.

“One can see hundred of trucks parked along the Mumbai-Calcutta national highway from Ainthapali to Remed in the city. Similarly, trucks are also seen standing along the Sambalpur-Rourkela highway in Rengali,” said Jogesh Panigrahi, a local resident.

Regional transport officer Maheswar Naik said that he was aware about the problem.

“We often ask the truck drivers not to park their vehicles along the road. However, this is not a permanent solution. A truck terminal is essential in Sambalpur now.”

Speaking about the proposed truck terminal at Rengali, Naik said: “The terminal is necessary because thousands of trucks go to Rengali since there are several industries there.”

Another local resident, Newton Ray, said apart from creating traffic congestion, the trucks parked along the road were also causing several fatal accidents.

“I take my truck to Sambalpur for repairs. On several occasion, it takes two to three days to get the vehicle repaired. However, due to absence of a truck terminal, I have to park my vehicle along the road,” said Milan Khuntia of Jamankira of Sambapur district, who owns trucks.

Chairperson of Sambalpur Development Authority Bijaya Mohanty said: “The revenue department... is yet to identify land for this purpose. We will start developing the truck terminals in Sambalpur and Rengali after we get the land for this purpose,” Mohanty said.