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Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Busy Cuttack square scores ‘0' in pedestrian safety audit
Cuttack: Khannagar Square, one of the city's busiest intersections, has received a '0-star' pedestrian safety rating in a recent traffic audit, raising serious concerns among residents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The audit, conducted by the Forum for Prevention of Road Accidents (FPRA) under the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) Star Rating Mobility Snapshot, revealed that the junction failed to meet even basic safety parameters. The audit report was submitted to Cuttack Municipal Corporation and the DCP last week. "Khannagar Square has become a death trap for pedestrians," said Bikash Mohapatra, adviser of FPRA and road safety expert. "It's alarming that authorities have allowed vehicle movement without basic safety measures like zebra crossings, signage, pedestrian signals and traffic lights." The square, situated along the Kathajodi river, serves as a crucial connection point between Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT), Badambadi market and Rajabagicha. Daily traffic includes over 10,000 buses and 25,000 other vehicles. Former ACP (traffic), Krushna Samal, emphasised the need for immediate intervention. "Authorities must reduce speed limits to 40 kmph, install speed bumps and rumble strips, and ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules," he said. Urban planner Ananya Rath highlighted the absence of basic infrastructure. "There are no proper street lights or signage. People are forced to dodge vehicles in pitch darkness," she said. Locals expressed frustration over the situation. "It's a life threat every time we try to cross the road," said Suraj Sahoo, a Rajabagicha resident. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Responding to concerns, Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh told TOI, "We will hold a meeting over the issue. Safety of pedestrians is non-negotiable, and we will soon initiate steps to improve lighting, signage, zebra crossings and overall infrastructure at Khannagar Square."
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Multilevel parking facility may ease traffic congestion in Cuttack: Experts
1 2 Cuttack: Experts have called for urgent development of multilevel parking facilities in Cuttack to ease the mounting traffic congestion caused by illegal roadside parking and unplanned urban growth. The millennium city is an acute space crunch with narrow roads and limited expansion scope, severely affecting mobility and liveability. Experts said the lack of adequate parking infrastructure is one of the root causes behind haphazard parking, leading to frequent traffic bottlenecks across key areas such as Buxi Bazaar, Naya Sadak, Badambadi and Choudhury Bazaar. "Cuttack was never designed for modern vehicular traffic. With rapid urbanisation and an increasing number of vehicles, multilevel parking is not a luxury but a necessity," said urban planner Sanjib Guru. "It will not only decongest roads but also streamline urban mobility ," he added. Several roads in the city are encroached upon by illegal parking and unauthorised vendors, worsening the situation. Even emergency services are often delayed due to traffic snarls. "The city's arteries are choking. A scientific solution like a multilevel parking lot is essential for the old city to breathe again. It's high time the authorities must act on it," said road safety expert Bikash Mohapatra. Business owners in the city are also feeling the pinch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "Customers avoid coming to the old market areas due to parking woes. This affects trade," said Rajiv Agarwal, a trader at Buxi Bazaar. "Even when a few are coming to shops, they are forced to park their vehicles in the front," added Agarwal. "Illegal parking is a major contributor to daily traffic congestion. Without dedicated parking spaces, our enforcement efforts alone can't resolve the issue. A multilevel parking facility would provide a structured solution and help us manage traffic more effectively," said ACP (traffic), Jayanta Dora. Minister for housing and urban development Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said, "We are actively considering proposals for multilevel parking at strategic locations, especially near high traffic zones. Feasibility studies will be done, and accordingly, steps will be taken to streamline the traffic in the city."
