Ongoing sanitation project at Tinikonia Bagicha and (below) traffic congestion hits Buxi Bazar Road due to diversion of vehicles in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 22: Police have clamped restriction on traffic movement and diverted vehicles from two places to facilitate sewer construction under integrated Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) sanitation project at Tinikonia Bagicha.

A senior official said the traffic diversion would be in place for a period of 30 days, while the construction company had been asked to complete necessary works within the stipulated time.

Though a 4-ft wide road has been kept open for pedestrians as well as two wheelers, commuters are facing a lot of inconvenience owing to rush on the main road connecting Dargha Bazar to Buxi Bazar via Tinkonia Bagicha Chhak.

“Due to the ongoing diversion, the load of traffic has now shifted on the main road connecting Buxi Bazar with other prominent destinations via Dargha Bazar and Tinikonia Bagicha,” said Sanjay Pradhan, a commuter.

Pradhan said there was acute congestion on the 3-km stretch from Dargha Bazar Square up to Buxi Bazar via Tinkonia Bagicha and Baropathar.

All the vehicles, especially three and four-wheelers, coming from the Seminary Chhak-side intending to go to the Tinikonia Bagicha-side are now being diverted towards Jail Road.

Similarly, the vehicles coming from Dargha Bazar to go towards Tinkonia Bagicha are now diverted towards Hatipokhari Chhak and Makarbag.

As a result, Dargha Bazar and Meria Bazar road are left choked as it has now become the converging point for vehicular traffic from four places.

“Though traffic diversion has been made, the cops are yet to take steps to deploy constables to regulate vehicular traffic on the main road. Besides, illegal parking is also creating hurdles for a smooth flow of traffic, especially during peak hours,” said Sushant Muduli, another commuter.

The main road from Buxi Bazar acts as a lifeline for hundreds of commuters, who take it to travel towards Cantonment, Chandimandir square, Choudhry Bazar, Nayasarak, high court via Dargha Bazar and Tinikonia Bagicha Chhak.

On the other hand, a traffic official said steps would shortly be taken to address traffic irregularities keeping in view the diversion.

“We have already instructed the company engaged in the construction to take necessary safety precaution. Besides, a drive will be conducted to ensure that the vehicles are parked within the white line marking on both sides of the main road at Buxi Bazar,” said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) R.K. Rout.