Bhubaneswar, May 19: Commuters and locals are facing severe traffic disruptions on the Khandagiri-Udayagiri stretch of National Highway-16 due to rampant illegal bus parking, highlighting a growing concern over road safety and traffic management.

According to residents, many private bus operators park their vehicles on the roadside at will, often occupying half the road and forcing other vehicles, including cars, trucks, and two-wheelers, to navigate through narrow gaps. In some areas, bus staff have even set up makeshift stoves and cooking arrangements on the roadside while waiting, further exacerbating the situation.

The problem extends across the stretch from Khandagiri-Mundia to Jayadev Vatika Chowk, with long-distance buses from Koraput, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Rayagada, and Brahmapur frequently contributing to the congestion. Local commuters report spending up to half an hour just to cover a few hundred meters due to the blockade, causing immense frustration and delays.

Despite the availability of a spacious parking facility at the Barmunda bus stand, many bus operators prefer roadside parking, asserting ownership over stretches of the road, allegedly viewing it as their ancestral property. Reports suggest that collection of parking fees by local enforcers, known as “PCR van staff,” has encouraged this unregulated behavior.

Residents also raised concerns about the absence of streetlights along the stretch, turning the road nearly pitch-dark at night and increasing the risk of accidents and antisocial activities. Tourists visiting Khandagiri-Udayagiri are also affected, often struggling to find safe parking and navigate the crowded roads.

While the traffic police remain busy collecting fines and monitoring the NH-16 corridor, local enforcement measures appear inadequate in clearing the congestion. Citizens have urged authorities to implement strict action against illegal parking and ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users.