Sambalpur: Rotary Circle at Church Chowk; Land Acquisition Hurdles Stall Traffic Improvement Plans
Sambalpur: The traffic situation at Church Chowk has deteriorated significantly. With constant congestion on the overpass and six roads converging at the chowk, traffic jams are becoming more common. To address this issue, a proposal was made last November to convert the area into a rotary circle, which was quickly approved by the Public Works Department (PWD). However, due to the election, the project was put on hold. Now that work has resumed, the project faces a new challenge: land acquisition from private owners.
Rotary Circle Plans
The proposed rotary circle at Church Chowk will have a 12-meter diameter in the center and a 7 to 10-meter-wide rotary. To make room, shops on government land will be partially or completely demolished. While the majority of the required land is government-owned, private land is also required. The PWD has sent notices to private landowners for acquisition, but many have refused, delaying the project.
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Expected Improvements
Once completed, the rotary circle will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicle flow at Church Chowk. The PWD has already completed the survey created a draft plan and approved the cost estimate. Aside from Church Chowk, other intersections such as Laxmi Talkies Chowk, Jail Chowk, and Dhanupali Chowk will be converted into rotary circles to alleviate traffic congestion in the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation area.
Land Acquisition Challenges
The PWD has sent letters to private landowners near Church Chowk, but the acquisition process has been stalled due to their unwillingness to sell. According to PWD Officer J.K. Meher, the circle will need clear space on all sides, including government land, an overpass, and private plots near Gangadhar Meher University and Lakshminarayan Mishra Lane.
Once the land acquisition is completed and the rotary circle is built, the traffic system at Church Chowk will significantly improve. Regular congestion on the overpass and surrounding roads is expected to decrease, making travel more convenient for everyone. However, until the land acquisition issue is resolved, the project is on hold.
