In a recent survey in the State capital, it was revealed that most of the city dwellers have little social and political awareness. Most of them do not know the name of the MlA, MP of their respective constituency and the offices where to lodge their day-to-day complaints.
Awareness relating to consumer’s rights is basically nil. So far the traffic system and traffic rules are concerned of the Smart City Bhubaneswar, the situation is undoubtedly miserable.
The city has one of the worst traffic regulation systems where the traffic police feel themselves helpless to monitor the chaos. Especially, the rash and drunken drivers and auto rickshaws are rudderless. Sometimes checking of helmet takes place in and around the city but it seems to be a mockery to the common man.
For, even as helmet wearing is mandatory and not following the rule is liable to punishment and fine, it has liitle effect on a certain sections of riders. The rule not to give petrol to the riders without helmet also seems to be casting no spell.
Parking of vehicles on roadside, especially in market place area, important city roads like Acharya Vihar, Unit 1 market area, Saheed Nagar, Janpath, Rasulgarh, CRP Square and other places, has led to severe traffic problem. Irony is, these roads are built after cutting many road side trees but does the sacrifice has ny meaning when the roadside spaces are occupied by illegal parking of vehiclesIJ
The civic authorities are absolutely indifferent to the movement of the pedestrian while road crossing from one side to another side has been a herculean task.
All zebra crossing are technically defective because pedestrians are not getting a single minute to cross the road.
No mechanism has been developed to help passersby while crossing the road. In most of the cities “pause” signal is indicated to the vehicles to facilitate pedestrian movement exclusively. But here in this Smart City, this practice is still awaited.
The concept of “foot over bridge” is a far cry in Bhubaneswar. In all busy roads and particularly where important educational institutions are located such as DM School (RIE),Unit -9 in Sachivalaya Marg, DAV Unit -8, Rasulgarh Chhak, CRP Square and other congested areas, construction of foot over bridge may be a little help to the common people.
Rash driving by the autos, road Romeos and city buses must be restricted by the Commissionerate Police with immediate effect.