Reckless driving and lane indiscipline on the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Bridge—commonly known as Netaji Setu—linking Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has turned this vital corridor into a daily nightmare for commuters.
Despite strict signage and road markings, including a continuous double yellow line that strictly prohibits overtaking, vehicles ranging from bikes to massive trucks are routinely seen veering into the wrong lane at high speeds. These violations have led to near-collisions and constant fear among road users.
Netaji Setu, with two wide lanes equivalent to three standard ones, was designed to efficiently handle the heavy flow of traffic between the twin cities. However, constant violations have made the route hazardous. Commuters, especially two-wheeler riders and families, say they must alter their driving style daily to dodge oncoming vehicles driving in the wrong lane.
“I hug the far edge of the bridge every day to avoid head-on traffic. With my children on the bike, every ride feels like a gamble,” said Kishore Das, a regular commuter.
Though warning signs are placed at multiple points, including the Judicial Academy Square, compliance remains abysmal. While the speed limit is officially capped at 30 km/h, vehicles are often seen zipping across at over 60 km/h.
“Some people are simply unaware, but many just want to race through the stretch without caring about others’ safety,” said Sai Mohanty, another local commuter.
The Twin City Commissionerate Police acknowledged the problem and confirmed multiple awareness drives have been held. Traffic Inspector Sanjib Kumar Sahu said, “Despite visible signs and warnings, many drivers continue to violate the rules. It’s a combination of ignorance and reckless attitude.”
To curb violations, authorities are now planning stronger enforcement measures. These include installing AI-powered speed monitoring systems, surveillance cameras, and conducting random checks. Strict penal action against repeat offenders is also on the agenda.
As thousands use the bridge daily, officials stress that unless driver behavior changes and enforcement is tightened, the Netaji Setu will continue to be a danger zone instead of the safe passage it was meant to be.
