Bhubaneswar: Traffic congestion during Durga Puja has left commuters struggling to navigate the roads in the state capital, with thousands of people stepping out to visit pandals, seek blessings and shop for the festival.
Traffic moves at a crawl even during the day, while the situation worsens after sunset, leaving commuters stranded for long periods at several locations.
While heavy traffic is expected during the festive season, the lack of effective planning and congestion management by the traffic police has compounded the problem.
Fire engines and ambulances are also getting stuck in traffic, raising concerns over emergency response times.
Despite the recurring nature of the problem every year, a permanent solution remains elusive. Even light rain slows traffic on major roads, adding to commuters’ woes.
Earlier, the police used a dedicated app and FM radio broadcasts to alert people about congestion. These updates helped commuters avoid crowded stretches and take alternative routes, reducing the pressure on busy roads.
However, such alerts are no longer being provided through the app or FM radio, leaving commuters without advance information about traffic conditions.
Traffic ACP Umakanta Pradhan said 15 platoons of police personnel would be deployed to manage traffic during the festival.
Public awareness campaigns and enforcement drives have also been launched to prevent accidents and will continue, he said. Pradhan urged motorists to avoid drunk driving and overspeeding.