Bhubaneswar, Feb. 17: The underpasses constructed at different places under new flyover bridges on National Highway 5 are either lying unused or creating more traffic chaos in the area.

While the construction of the facility under the Vanivihar railway overbridge and in front of Rajdhani College is not yet finished, the passage in front of Utkal University has become a den for beggars. The underpass at Gandhi Market Square, however, causes heavy traffic problem as vehicles from different directions try to cross the NH through this stretch.

'We have been urging the authorities to finish the passage under Vanivihar railway overbridge as soon as possible so that we can take this passage to go to the central part of the city,' said Bhramarabar Mohanty, president of Rangamatia village committee.

The underpass in front of Utkal University, which was constructed to provide safe passage to commuters, especially students, has been encroached upon by beggars.

'We do not feel safe taking the underpass as beggars have taken over the entire area. The authorities should make the passage usable,' said Snigdha Samant, a student.

The underpass in front of Rajdhani College in Baramunda has been constructed at a lower level than the side roads. However, the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) are trying to make it usable by widening the roads and forming approach paths. The passage in front of Rajdhani gas agency in Nayapalli is finished, but it exposes commuters to risk as vehicles move at a high speed.

The underpass at Gandhi Market Square is in a real mess as vehicles try to pass through this underpass creating traffic chaos.

People demanded that zebra crossing should be marked on both sides of the passages and traffic police deployed at both ends.

'It seems as if the flyover bridges do not serve any purpose. The Gandhi Market Square is in a real mess in the evening. The authorities must deploy traffic cops at both ends for smooth movement of vehicles,' said Shatrujit Sahoo, a local trader.

Assistant commissioner of police, traffic, Jatindra Panda said they were aware of the underpass at Vanivihar railway overbridge and had discussed the matter with NHAI officials.

'The new road will be open for public use shortly. Besides, we are looking into the problems faced at other passages and we are also deploying our men where traffic snarl occurs during peak hours,' said Panda. He said that they would urge the police to remove the encroachers from passages.