Bhubaneswar, Aug. 10: The public works department has started re-drawing zebra crossings at major traffic junctions where the lines had either been incorrectly drawn or medians were blocking pedestrians' movement.

Zebra lines are being realigned at places such as Ram Mandir and Maharshi College squares apart from traffic intersections at Rupali, Power House and the one near 120 Battalion.

Partially drawn zebra lines had been causing problems for the pedestrians with the lines at some places being eclipsed by the "green islands" that came up as part of city's beautification drive.

The Telegraph had published reports on how people were suffering because of the lack of proper zebra crossings at many junctions. On September 17, 2012, a report "Walkers wait of zebra crossings" depicted the pedestrians' plight.

"There should be proper co-ordination among the works department, traffic personnel and the civic authorities, so that work on traffic signals and zebra crossings are properly carried out across the city. The work taken up to have continuous zebra crossings is a positive development," said city resident Subhakanta Swain.

Executive engineer (division-I) of the works Bikarm Keshari Lenka said: "The zebra crossings are drawn following road engineering guidelines given by the ministry of road transport and highways. For this, we do not take the advice of the traffic department. However, in case of road closure or opening of a certain point along a median, we do take their suggestions."

Citing an example of a works-traffic collaborative effort along the Sishu Bhavan-Utkal University Square, he said: "The road divider in front of the Swosti Grand was causing several accidents and a traffic mess. So, when the police suggested that we closed the divider, we immediately took action."

Speaking on the work that is on along Janpath, Lenka said the median on the zebra crossings was creating an obstacle for the pedestrians. Especially the elderly and children were facing problem at the place.

"We are doing this following the advice of an expert committee set up by the 75th session of the Indian Road Congress held here in January," he said.

Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Jatindra Kumar Panda expressed his displeasure regarding the lack of co-ordination between the traffic department and the works department.

"There is a sub-committee to look into traffic-related issues, but we are hardly invited to give our views. Many of our suggestions such as re-designing squares near the Odisha State Museum and Mausima Square have not received proper attention," he said.