Traffic in Srikakulam has been in utter chaos for the last six months with defunct signals. The situation is horrible during peak hours.
Signals are not functioning at 7 Road Junction, Surya Mahal Centre, Ramalaxmana Junction, Old Bus Stand area and other places. They work rarely at the Day and Night Junction which is the main centre of the town.
With failure of signals, traffic jams have become the order in the town. According to traffic police wing, Srikakulam municipal authorities are supposed to establish the signals. The civic body was remained ignorant about the immediate need for signals.
Around 60 per cent of the amount collected through traffic challans goes to the account of the Srikakulam Municipal Corporation. The civic body officials say the Corporation did not have sufficient funds for establishing traffic signal units at six places which would require around Rs.30 lakh.
‘Corporation responsible’
Lack of parking facility for auto-rickshaws and taxis is adding to traffic woes in the town. The taxis have little space for parking in the Day and Night and Seven Road junctions. The auto drivers are forced to park vehicles on roads leading to traffic snarls.
Police say it is the responsibility of the civic body to provide parking places for autos and once they provide this traffic jams may not occur.
It is estimated that more than 2,000 autos are playing as a majority of the people use their services in the absence of city buses.
Autos from nearby towns such as Narasannapeta, Amadalavalasa, and Etcherla also are operated.
‘Come out with
action plan’
According to sources, the new Superintendent of Police J. Brahama Reddy directed the Traffic Department to come out with an action plan solve the traffic problems.
He also stressed the need for better coordination between the transport and municipal authorities in developing infrastructure and finding out permanent solutions for traffic woes.
