Rampant encroachment, illegal parking create traffic congestion on Ranaihat-Medical road

Surjit Kumar Dhal Cuttack, June 30: The road stretching from Ranihat to SCB Medical College and Hospital has become congested due to rampant encroachment and illegal parking that affects smooth flow of traffic especially ambulances.

                Call it the gross negligence or callousness of the administration as well as the traffic police, no substantial step has yet been taken to resolve the issue of this important route despite avowed claim.

The situation is worsening day by day. While the one kilometer long stretch has been narrowed down with rampant encroachments by the road side vendors, makeshift stalls, illegal parking of vehicles including bike, cars and auto rickshaws has further aggravated the situation causing problems even for pedestrians.

Most of medicine stores and diagnostic centers located on about 500 meters stretched portion of the road have also put up their billboards, signboards encroaching upon the roads.

The unauthorized slums, hotels, eateries, tea and betel shops set up illegally on both side too are headaches for the public.

In the absence of any legal action, the unauthorized slums create an healthy atmosphere near the premier government run hospital of the State visited by thousands of patients daily.

Some of the slum dwellers have even constructed toilets and bathroom on the road.

This apart, more than 10 motels set up illegally encroaching on the road are too responsible for traffic congestion due to parking of vehicles by eaters.

ACP Traffic Jatin Kumar Panda said the joint eviction drive which was stopped in the city for more than 5 month has resumed on Saturday.

Step has been taken for removal of encroachment and illegal parking on the road stretching from Badambadi to Link Road on the first day, he said.

“We have chalked out a detail plan for conduct of eviction drive daily in the city and the important and busy Ranihat- Medical road has also been included in it,” said Panda.