Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7 (UDN): Daily traffic congestion on the Damana-Sailashree Vihar road has emerged as a growing concern for commuters in Bhubaneswar, with rising vehicle movement, roadside parking and commercial activity around Damana market contributing to frequent gridlocks.
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The situation becomes particularly challenging from the afternoon onwards as traffic volume increases. Vehicles parked along the roadside eat into the available carriageway, while temporary stalls and vendors operating close to the road further restrict smooth movement.
Despite the road being relatively wide, the stretch around Damana market often struggles to handle the volume of traffic. During peak periods, congestion can extend for nearly 1.5 km, leaving motorists caught in long queues and significantly increasing travel time between Damana and Sailashree Vihar.
Damana Market Emerges as Major Bottleneck
Damana market remains a key pressure point on the route. With limited dedicated parking facilities, visitors frequently leave vehicles along the roadside or in spaces close to the market.
The problem intensifies during afternoon and evening hours when market activity and pedestrian movement increase. Vehicles entering and exiting the market have to negotiate with through traffic on an already crowded stretch.
Roadside vendors and temporary stalls add to the challenge by reducing space for both vehicles and pedestrians. Cars, buses, two-wheelers, pedestrians and market-goers are often forced to share the same limited space, slowing traffic movement.
Emergency Services Face Risk
The recurring congestion has also raised concerns over the movement of emergency vehicles. Ambulances and fire tenders could face delays when traffic builds up and vehicles remain stuck on the stretch.
School buses, city buses, private vehicles and two-wheelers further add to the traffic load during busy hours. Pedestrians also face difficulties as roadside parking and commercial activity leave limited space for safe movement.
Parallel Route Seen as Long-Term Solution
The rapid growth of residential and commercial activity around Damana and Sailashree Vihar has increased pressure on the existing road. A parallel road has been proposed to provide an alternative route towards Sailashree Vihar and Patia and ease the burden on the present stretch.
Until the proposed alternative route becomes operational, commuters are likely to remain dependent on the existing road.
In the immediate term, tighter enforcement against roadside parking, improved traffic regulation and better management of activity around Damana market could help reduce congestion.
With traffic volumes expected to rise alongside the continued expansion of the area, commuters say a combination of short-term traffic measures and a permanent alternative route will be crucial to addressing the problem.