Jose K Joseph
Bhubaneswar: Master Canteen Junction is one of the busiest junctions in the city and this is the main entrance to Bhubaneswar railway station.
However, Raahgiri celebrations being organised on this busiest stretch by Bhubaneswar Muncipal Corporation (BMC) to promote environment-friendly concepts has created difficulties to railway and air passengers.
Although, the events are organised on Sundays, at least 105 trains including six special trains pass through the station this day. A majority of rail passengers use the Master Canteen side entrance because there are parking facilities. But, the Raahgiri celebration in the past two weeks has created traffic problems at this junction and compelled many rail passengers to use the Cuttack side entrance.
The Master Canteen Square entrance has security checks such as baggage scanning and the Puri-Cuttack road side remains free from such hurdles. Orissa POST has reported this in its January 11 edition (Security lapses continue at rly station). When Raahgiri celebrations take place a large number of rail commuters use the Puri-road side entrance. Thus, the Raahgiri celebration at Master Canteen side not only creates traffic snarls but also increases the security concerns of city railway station.
Many rail passengers appreciate the Raahgiri concept, but disagreed with the venue chosen for the programme.
“The concept behind Raahgiri is excellent, but when the event is organised at busy locations blocking the traffic it naturally creates traffic congestion at Master Canteen. BMC should conduct the event at another location,” said Sachala Patra, a rail passenger.
“BMC must continue the initiative elsewhere and ensure that people are not affected due to the location. Otherwise, some lawyers may seek legal redressal to the public problem,” said MK Mohanty, a senior citizen.
However, the additional commissioner of Bhubaneswar Development Council (BDA) denied that the programme inconvenienced people especially rail passengers who used the Master Canteen entrance.
“Sunday’s Raahgiri function didn’t create traffic congestion, but it happened due to the Republic Day parade there. We had considered the issue and are taking help of traffic cops to avoid such issues so that the public do not face difficulties because of the initiative,” said, BDA additional commissioner Bhabani Chayani.
