Bhubaneswar: With the festive season of Dussehra approaching, the Odisha government has directed officials to ensure that roads across the state are repaired on priority to provide smooth travel for citizens.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan at Nirman Soudha, the condition of roads in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and other districts was assessed. The minister emphasized that while monsoon rains often damage roads, it is the government’s duty to promptly repair them for public convenience.
Harichandan instructed engineers to make all major roads pothole-free by September 20 ahead of Durga Puja and begin comprehensive renovation of damaged roads from October 2. Highlighting the recent recruitment of skilled engineers, he urged them to focus on building durable, high-quality roads. The minister also announced that a new policy would soon be formulated regarding road durability, maintenance, and the responsibilities of various agencies that use road space.
Officials were directed to conduct field inspections within two days and submit reports on the condition of roads.
Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh raised concerns over agencies digging up well-maintained roads without permission for utilities such as pipelines and power lines, which leads to deterioration. He also flagged poor coordination among BMC, IDCO, OPTCL, and WATCO as a cause of recurring road and drainage issues.
The meeting deliberated on measures to improve road repairs, ensure durability, and fix accountability for damages.
The meeting was attended by MLAs from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other constituencies, mayors of BMC and CMC, senior departmental officials, engineers, and municipal commissioners.
