Cuttack's Vital Hospital Road Paralyzed by Illegal Parking During Peak Hours
The arterial road connecting the Ranihat traffic post to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack has become a nightmare for patients, ambulances, and daily commuters due to rampant illegal parking during office hours. This critical 1.2-kilometer stretch, which is barely 30 feet wide, serves as the lifeline for thousands of patients visiting Odisha's premier government hospital from across the state. Despite repeated complaints from locals and commuters, enforcement on the ground remains alarmingly lax, exacerbating the crisis.
Photographic Evidence Reveals Chaotic Congestion
Photographs from the spot clearly show two-wheelers and four-wheelers occupying most of the carriageway, often resulting in prolonged traffic snarls that disrupt the flow of emergency vehicles. The situation has reached a point where delays caused by congestion have become routine, putting lives at risk. Ramesh Sahu, an ambulance driver, expressed his frustration, stating, "During emergencies, every minute counts. But we are often stuck here because there is hardly any space left to move." He added that honking and arguments among drivers have become a daily affair, further complicating the chaos.
Residents Blame Lack of Parking and Inadequate Regulation
Local residents and commuters have pointed to the absence of designated parking spaces and inadequate traffic regulation as the root causes of the problem. Plaban Parida, a daily commuter, highlighted the issue, saying, "Office-goers park their vehicles on the road for hours. Authorities know about it, yet no strict action is visible." Parida demanded immediate deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours and permanent measures to keep this crucial stretch free of encroachment. The community's concerns are echoed by social activists who emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Social Activist Calls for Strict Penalties
Abhaya Pattnaik, a social activist, warned, "This road is not meant to be a parking lot. Patients, elderly people, and emergency vehicles suffer every day because of sheer negligence. Unless towing and heavy fines are imposed, the situation will not improve." His statement underscores the growing public outcry for decisive action to address the persistent gridlock that threatens public safety and healthcare access in Cuttack.
Traffic Police Respond with Promises of Action
In response to the escalating crisis, ACP (Traffic) Jayanta Dora acknowledged the congestion on the Ranihat–SCB road. "We are aware of the congestion on the Ranihat–SCB road. Regular enforcement drives will be intensified," Dora assured. He also mentioned that due to ongoing construction work at SCB Medical College, authorities are exploring options for regulated parking in nearby areas to ease the pressure. However, locals remain skeptical, calling for more concrete and immediate solutions to prevent further endangerment of lives.
