Few traffic officers: Chidambaram had assured the Rajya Sabha that traffic police deployment at the roundabout would be increased from five to nine during daytime, especially during peak hours. Newsline visited the roundabout at 5.30 pm and found there were only three traffic police officers. “Things have improved a little after a traffic light was installed at Kalibari Marg. However, hardly any vehicle stops at the zebra crossing,” said Sunny Singh, who runs a flower shop at the roundabout.

Broken footpaths: Not only do pedestrians need to make a dash for their lives while crossing the road, footpaths in the area are in dire need of repairs.

“I walk to pick up my grandchildren from school every day. Crossing the road is quite dangerous and you can trip any time walking on these footpaths,” said 72-year-old Nand Lal.

No Solution on offer: There are five roads converging at this roundabout. None of them have a signal. Also, constructing a subway or foot overbridge is not possible here, as mentioned by Chidambaram.

The traffic police at present do not have solution at hand. “We have increased police deployment and at the Kalibari signal we ensure that pedestrians are given 20 seconds at regular intervals to cross the road,” said the District Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Suvashish Chaudhary. He added that signals on the radial road are not possible and the traffic has to be directed manually.

Longer waiting time for pedestrians: “You have to keep aside at least 10 to 15 minutes just to cross the road — the vehicular flow is so heavy,” said staff nurse Sally John. She added that residents find it too risky to allow their children cross the junction alone.