Puri, Jan 10: Mounting traffic congestion in the holy town of Puri has become a major concern for police, residents, pilgrims and tourists, particularly after a recent accident on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) highlighted the growing risks on the city’s overcrowded streets.

Police officials said traffic pressure has intensified due to a sharp rise in tourist inflow and vehicle numbers, prompting authorities to conduct a comprehensive traffic review under the leadership of an Additional Superintendent of Police. Following the review, police have decided to install rumble strips at key locations and increase the number of traffic posts across the town to improve road safety and traffic management.

Concerns escalated after an accident earlier this month on the Grand Road, where a Bolero vehicle reportedly knocked down a grandfather and his minor grandchild while they were riding a two-wheeler. Both were dragged for some distance, underscoring the dangers posed by speeding vehicles and inadequate traffic control in high-density zones.

With daily congestion worsening, effective traffic regulation has emerged as a major challenge for the police. Several busy intersections and stretches of road currently lack dedicated traffic posts, speed breakers or rumblers, officials said, forcing police to step up enforcement and monitoring efforts.

The pressure on Puri’s roads has grown in proportion to the rise in tourism. Official data show that by 2023, as many as 217,560 vehicles were plying across the town. This includes 5,214 auto-rickshaws and 203,378 motorcycles, significantly straining the city’s limited road infrastructure.

The rising traffic volume has coincided with alarming road accident figures. According to police records, 340 people lost their lives in road accidents across Puri district over the past two years. In 2023, the district recorded 169 fatalities, followed by 171 deaths in 2024. The number of accident cases also rose, with 516 cases reported in 2023 and 558 cases in 2024.

In 2025 alone, road accidents have already claimed 157 lives, further intensifying concerns over traffic safety in the pilgrimage town.

Police said special attention is being given to congestion-prone areas such as Digabareni, Badasankha, Balagandi and Station Square, where traffic flow is being closely monitored and corrective measures are being planned.

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Officials stressed that improving traffic discipline, strengthening infrastructure and increasing police presence are critical to preventing further loss of life in one of Odisha’s busiest tourist destinations.