Finding way in a crowded junction

CUTTACK: People manoeuvring through traffic chaos amidst narrow  roads is a sight synonymous with Cuttack city. Not only the major thoroughfares, even the smaller junctions like the Sayeed Seminary Square crossing are witness to  traffic snarls that cause congestion and result in tardy movement of vehicular traffic.A four-point crossing, this junction is a converging point for vehicles coming from Badambadi via Dolmundai, Haripur road, Jhola Sahi, Bangali Sahi, Buxi Bazar, Thoria Sahi and Mangalabag. Throughout the day, there is heavy traffic  congestion owing to increasing number of vehicles and encroachments. As the road is narrow, there is little scope for expansion and this affects commuters who find it difficult to negotiate at rush hours to reach their destination. Locals alleged that the authorities concerned have done little to streamline movement of vehicles or expand the  road on this junction. Very rarely, one finds traffic constables deployed at the Square.The Sayeed Seminary Square houses many big and small business establishments, a large fish and meat market, the Sayeed Seminary School and a nursing home. To add to the commuters’ woes, there is no parking space on the Square and people usually park their vehicles in front of shops occupying a major portion of the narrow road.“Our family has been here since ages and till date, there is no system to regulate traffic movement in the area. During peak hours, commuters are in a hurry to cross the road which often leads to minor accidents,” said Prafulla Rout, a resident on the Haripur road stretch. Locals said that on days like Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there is huge rush on the Square as they come to buy fish and meat from the market. These days, the problem has worsened further with marriage season at its peak. “Travelling through the junction has become a nightmare also due to inconvenience caused by the marriage processions. The revellers block the entire road, throwing traffic out of gear,” said Prashanta Pradhan, a  commuter. Not only traffic, even pedestrians vie for space when the marriage processions pass by.Sources in the Municipality said steps are being taken to streamline traffic flow on this junction. A senior official with the Cuttack Municipality said a blueprint is being prepared for smooth flow of traffic and subsequently, awareness will also be generated among people about parking.