Bhubaneswar: With traffic pressure mounting across Odisha’s twin cities, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for an integrated strategy to improve road infrastructure, ease congestion and strengthen traffic management in Bhubaneswar and Kataka.
At a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday, Majhi examined the proposed Traffic Decongestion Plan for the twin cities and directed officials to move ahead with immediate as well as long-term measures to make commuting smoother and safer.
Road repairs, wider corridors on priority
Majhi directed officials to identify stretches and junctions requiring urgent attention and complete necessary repairs without delay. He also emphasised improving the appearance and overall condition of roads connecting Bhubaneswar, Kataka and adjoining areas.
The Chief Minister called for eight-lane roads at strategic locations to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. He also stressed the need to strengthen connectivity between Kataka, Bhubaneswar and Puri, particularly for pilgrims and tourists travelling to the holy city.
Flyovers, smart signals planned
As part of the decongestion strategy, the meeting discussed redevelopment of major junctions and construction of flyovers and overbridges at locations experiencing heavy traffic.
The plan also includes greater use of technology for traffic regulation. Officials discussed deploying smart traffic signals and CCTV cameras at key points, along with stronger measures against illegal parking and other practices that contribute to congestion.
Departments asked to work in coordination
Majhi directed the Police Commissionerate, Urban Development Department, Works Department and local administrations to coordinate closely in implementing the proposed interventions.
Officials were asked to give particular attention to busy stretches along the Bhubaneswar-Kataka corridor and improve traffic flow on roads witnessing high vehicular movement.
The Chief Minister said the measures should not only address existing congestion but also improve the twin cities’ preparedness for future traffic growth while creating a cleaner, better organised and safer urban environment.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Principal Secretary of the Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Police of the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate Suresh Dev Datta Singh and other senior officials.
