Unguarded junctions

Traffic cops mostly sit back and relax at junctions that have smart signal system. They leave their posts of duty, exposing the junctions to traffic violations and commuters to risk. “Jumping signals has become rampant. With cops not at their post of duty, people violate signals as there are none to catch them,” said Satyabrata Hota, a commuter on Ganganagar Square.

Waste bins

The municipal corporation has installed large waste bins across the city to maintain cleanliness. However, several of these iron waste bins have been placed in the middle of the road. This has exposed motorists to accidents, which often turn fatal. “A few days back, a biker sustained serious injuries when he dashed into one of these bins near Stewart School. The incident could have been averted if the waste bin was placed away from the road,” said fruit-seller Debashis Mandal.

Illegal median cuts

Despite government’s effort to keep a check on illegal median cuts, people continue to violate rules. Illegal median cuts have become a major threat to pedestrians as vehicles suddenly emerge through these cuts. “These median cuts makes the area accident prone and also adds to traffic congestion,” said Surya Nagar resident Niraj Mishra.

Craters on roads

Bad roads are a major threat to commuters. Roads in Rasulgarh are in bad shape ever since the flyover was thrown open to the public in 2015. Roads running parallel to the flyover are full of potholes. “It is almost three years and the condition of the roads remain the same. Minor accidents are a regular affair here,” said Rasulgarh resident Tutu Baliarsingh.

Hoarding hurdle

The Supreme Court's road safety guidelines state that advertisements distracting commuters are not permitted except for those in public interest. In Bhubaneswar violation of the guidelines has become the norm. This has put commuters at risk. “The Master Canteen Square roundabout is too tricky and irregularly placed hoardings make commuting difficult,” said Unit III resident Mamata Jena.

Pile of debris

Construction activities are going on in full swing across the city. Similarly, dumping of demolition waste and construction materials on the roads has become common. This encroaches on roads and often causes accidents. Motorists often meet with accidents when they run into dumped materials. “The administration is responsible for being slack in taking action regarding illegal dumping,” said Sangram Sahu, a commuter.

What the mayor says: Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said they had directed their sanitary agencies to take care of waste bins lying in the middle of the roads. “We are repairing the roads periodically and also taking steps to fine those who are dumping debris on the road. We will install cameras at the junctions to catch violators,” said Jena

Pictures by Ashwinee Pati