Following loss of several human lives in vehicular mishaps in the last seven years, officials of Dhenkanal and Angul district administrations in presence of the representatives of Bhusan Steel Limited (BSL) took some major decisions for effective traffic management at a meeting held in Collectorate conference hall on Thursday evening.
Dhenkanal Collector Bishnu Prasad Panda, SP Manoranjan Mohanty, Regional Transport Officer Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Angul Collector Arvind Agrawal, SP Narasingh Bhol, National Highway Authority of India officials, Bhusan Steel Limited ‘s Chief Operating Officer AK Verma and other senior officials discussed the traffic hurdles and potholes, service roads, road dividers, circle system near BSL gates where NH traffic management has become a major problem.
Angul SP criticised the BSL authorities for failing to take adequate steps for smooth management of traffic in front of the company gates. “BSL is yet to take steps for convenience of road users . This has resulted in loss of lives and property,” said Bhol.
Reports said around 4,000 workers use BSL gate in every shift a day while more than 5,000 vehicles enter the company premises.
According to sources, BSL management has been asked to repair the road from railway line to grid station by April 15 . The company has also agreed to purchase land both government and private. After evicting encroachment, it will build parking bays for its vehicles which are now encroaching NH within three months.
It was also decided that the company will ensure street lighting facility, build a separate gate for transport of materials, lay a service road and provide security for traffic management. A bridge over canal needs to be completed within three months, the district officials directed the BSL.
Later, the officials made a spot visit to BSL road where intervention is required. They decided to discuss suggestions on working out strategies in presence of National Highway officials, Regional Transport Officers and BSL officials on Monday.