Illegal parking slows down traffic on road to SCB

Cuttack: It has become difficult for patients, ambulances and people to commute on the arterial road connecting Ranihat traffic post to SCB Medical College and Hospital due to rampant illegal parking during office hours.

The 1.2-km stretch, barely 30 ft wide, serves as the lifeline for thousands of patients visiting Odisha’s premier government hospital from across the state.


Despite repeated complaints, enforcement on the ground remains lax, locals alleged. Photographs from the spot clearly show two-wheelers and four-wheelers occupying most of the carriageway, often resulting in long traffic snarls.

Ambulance drivers said delays caused by congestion have become routine. “During emergencies, every minute counts. But we are often stuck here because there is hardly any space left to move,” said Ramesh Sahu, an ambulance driver, adding that honking and arguments have become a daily affair.

Residents and commuters blamed the absence of designated parking spaces and inadequate traffic regulation. “Office-goers park their vehicles on the road for hours. Authorities know about it, yet no strict action is visible,” said Plaban Parida, a daily commuter. “We demand immediate deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours and permanent measures to keep the crucial stretch free of encroachment,” added Parida.

“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,” said Abhaya Pattnaik, a social activist.

ACP (Traffic) Jayanta Dora said, “We are aware of the congestion on the Ranihat–SCB road. Regular enforcement drives will be intensified. As construction work is going on at SCB, we are also exploring options for regulated parking in nearby areas to ease the pressure.”