Cuttack, July 12: Police here have decided to review the existing traffic arrangement at Sikharpur crossing, which has turned into an accident-prone zone.

The move follows demand by residents of Sikharpur, Mahanadi Vihar and Gandarpur for an underpass near the crossing to contain road mishaps.

At least six persons have lost their lives in the past two years. On Saturday evening, a motorist had a narrow escape while taking a turn. Earlier, a college student died in a road mishap here on May 19. The deceased, Rajeswari Dalai, a student of JKBK College, was crushed under the wheels of a speeding truck that had entered from the wrong side. The incident had sparked widespread resentment among the residents.

"We do certainly feel that the mishaps can be prevented only after an underpass is constructed either at the particular crossing or any other place close to the spot," Sarat Pradhan, member of Sikharpur-Gandarpur-Mahanadi Vihar puja committee, said.

Residents allege that most of the accidents occur due to over-speeding and other technical defects in heavy vehicles. Most of the drivers are not aware of the existing traffic signal at Sikharpur that is located on NH-5 connecting several localities of Cuttack with Bhubaneswar. As a result, most of the truck drivers get very less time to slow down before the signal.

The residents also demanded installation of proper signages at least 100 metres ahead of the junction on both sides.

At present, a lot of commuters, especially those coming from Mahanadi Vihar and Sikharpur sides, depend on the opening at the traffic junction to travel from one side to the other.

Sources said that earlier the cops had decided to close down the cut point at Sikharpur crossing to check accidents in 2012. However, due to opposition from residents, no step was taken in this regard. People opposed the closure as no alternative road was developed.

On the other hand, senior police officials said that steps had been taken to streamline traffic at Sikharpur. Two alternative roads have been constructed and commuters from Sikharpur and Mahanadi Vihar can cross via service road near Kaliaboda.

"We have already closed a second cut point through which the truck had entered and caused the accident," said Sanjeev Arora, deputy commissioner of police.

Arora said construction of an underpass would be finalised at the traffic management committee.

P. K. Dalai, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), said caution signage had been installed near Sikharpur crossing. Besides, steps are being taken to put up signage to help vehicles control the speed before reaching the crossing.