Bhubaneswar, Ap 10: In a bid to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion, the Bhubaneswar Traffic Police, in collaboration with local civic authorities, kicked off a lane-driving awareness campaign on the bustling roads of Odisha’s capital. The initiative, which launched on April 9 as part of a pilot drive on several major routes, aims to instill discipline among commuters and tackle the ongoing traffic menace that has become a persistent challenge for the city.
Lane driving, a concept that is already practiced in many major cities across India, was introduced on a few select roads in Bhubaneswar, including the busy Janpath and Kalinga Hospital flyover. The objective is to ensure vehicles move in an organized manner within their designated lanes, reducing the chaos that often leads to bottlenecks, accidents, and slower traffic movement.
The pilot drive saw traffic police and volunteers distributing pamphlets, demonstrating the lane system, and speaking with motorists about the importance of staying within lanes. Special signs and road markings were also put up to guide drivers in maintaining lane discipline. The initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to modernize traffic management and bring order to the chaotic roads.
“We want to create awareness about the benefits of lane driving. If all drivers adhere to the lanes, it will improve traffic flow, reduce accidents, and make commutes smoother for everyone,” said Sujit Patnaik, Bhubaneswar’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic).
Can lane driving solve the traffic menace?
Rohit Tripathy, a daily commuter, said, “I’ve driven in cities like Pune and Delhi, where lane discipline is strictly followed. It’s a huge relief as you don’t get stuck behind vehicles swerving all over. If Bhubaneswar adopts this, I’m sure it will reduce traffic jams.”
Smruti Sudha, a resident of the city, expressed cautious optimism: “While lane driving sounds like a great solution, I’m not sure how feasible it will be with the traffic we have here. People don’t even follow signals properly, so will lane discipline really work?”
Santosh Kumar, a private vehicle owner, also had reservations. “I think lane driving is a good idea, but the problem is more about mindset. People here tend to ignore rules when they’re in a hurry. The real challenge will be in changing people’s driving habits.”
Others also noted, however, that the success of lane driving would largely be contingent upon regular enforcement and public compliance. Anil Behera, a driver of an auto-rickshaw, has this to say: "It's difficult for us to remain in the lanes because there are so many other cars taking the wrong-side overtakes. But if it's done properly and everybody adheres to the rules, it will make a huge difference."
Can lane driving end Bhubaneswar's traffic suffering?
Though lane-driving might definitely improve the flow of traffic, however, specialists are of the opinion that it may not be a solution to all of Bhubaneswar's traffic problems. The fast pace of urbanization in the city, higher vehicle numbers, and inadequate infrastructure on certain roads might still be problematic. Nevertheless, lane sense could minimize some of the chaos and jumble on the streets, particularly in busy zones.
To be effective in the long term, for this scheme to be effective, according to experts, the city should invest in improved infrastructure, with broader roads, improved markings, and a tighter enforcement system. Public cooperation will also be a major determinant of its success.
