Sambalpur: Sambalpur’s Pedestrian Problem; Streets Without Sidewalks Spark Safety Concerns

Urban Challenges

Sambalpur: Sambalpur, once a historic town, has become a municipal corporation, but it still faces numerous urban challenges. As the city grows, residents face significant challenges such as narrow streets, drainage issues, and insufficient street lighting. These concerns have made everyday life more difficult.

Traffic Troubles

In Sambalpur, many older roads remain congested and poorly maintained. Traffic congestion has increased, making it hard for both vehicles and pedestrians to navigate. Surprisingly, there isn’t a single road in the city equipped with proper sidewalks for pedestrians. This lack of infrastructure complicates travel and poses safety risks, resulting in frequent accidents.

Lack of Solutions

Despite the ongoing challenges, local government and the municipal corporation have yet to present a viable plan or alternative solutions to these problems. Intellectuals in the community have expressed concern about the lack of action, arguing that without proper planning, the city’s development will stagnate.

Major Roads in Focus

Several major roads in Sambalpur experience heavy traffic, including Ainthapali-Fatak Road, GMU-Mudipada Hospital Road, Mudipada-Khetrajpur road, GMU-Lakshmi Talkies, Lakshmi talkies-Golbazar, Golbazar-Nelson Mandela road, Lakshmi talkies-Zilla school road, Bhutapada chowk-Jail chowk road, Jail chowk-Govindtola-Dhanupali road and others. These roads connect various parts of the city, but they lack pedestrian-friendly designs. As a result, pedestrians are forced to walk through traffic, which heightens the risk of accidents.

Recent Actions

Currently, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation is taking steps to clear encroachments on roads and drainage systems. They are identifying areas along Mudipada-Farm Road for necessary improvements. However, community members stress that simply widening roads isn’t enough. They advocate for the creation of sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety.

Community Concerns

Local businesses also struggle with a lack of parking space, forcing customers to park on the road. Despite numerous complaints, many people believe the municipal government only provides superficial solutions without addressing the underlying causes of these issues. Attempts to communicate directly with corporation officials have failed, leaving residents dissatisfied and concerned about the city’s future.

In conclusion, as Sambalpur grows, the critical need for pedestrian infrastructure and effective urban planning becomes increasingly evident.