Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The Odisha government is planning a major makeover of 23 key traffic junctions in Bhubaneswar as part of efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic movement across the capital city.

The proposed changes include widening roads around busy junctions, redesigning intersections and improving turning points to ensure smoother traffic flow. The recommendations have been prepared by a government-formed Junction Sub-Committee, which includes senior officials from the Works Department, Traffic Police, BDA and BMC.

Among the major junctions identified for improvement are Kalpana Square, Tinkapani Sai Mandir Square, Infocity Square, CRP Square, Airport Square, AG Square, Rabindra Mandap Square, Acharya Vihar, Jaydev Vihar and Rasulgarh Square.

Kalpana Square to get wider

A special plan has been proposed for Kalpana Square, where the surrounding area is likely to be widened. Shops occupying space near the junction may be removed to reduce congestion and improve traffic movement.

Similarly, Tinkapani Sai Mandir Square has been proposed to be redesigned as a roundabout. Infocity Square is also expected to be converted into a roundabout in the first phase.

Focus on smooth turning and bus stops

The committee has also proposed keeping bus stops at least 100 metres away from major junctions to prevent traffic build-up.

Left-turning lanes at junctions will be widened wherever possible. Any traffic posts, electricity poles or pipelines obstructing these turns may be relocated or removed.

The Junction Sub-Committee has inspected several busy intersections and submitted recommendations aimed at making them congestion-free. The proposals are expected to be discussed by the Urban Development Department, following which a final decision may be taken.

Bhubaneswar has already experimented with changing the designs of several major junctions. The city is now considering wider implementation of roundabouts, new roads and flyovers under its broader junction and congestion-management plan.

The proposed revamp of 23 junctions is expected to improve traffic flow and make commuting across Bhubaneswar more convenient for motorists and pedestrians.