Potholes hamper traffic flow on Deula Sahi Road. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Aug. 10: Hundreds of commuters who depend on the Deula Sahi Road are going through a bad patch.

The entire stretch of the road from Deula Sahi to Bidanasi is full of craters that pose a threat to the lives and limbs of commuters.

“It is very difficult to commute on the road as the potholes hamper the smooth flow of traffic in the area,” said Janardhan Sahu, 56, a local resident.

Sahu said five to six minor accidents had taken place over the past week on the road that also acts as a crucial link to several vital destinations.

The road also acts as a connecting link between Bidanasi, CDA, Tulsipur and Shelter Chhak. Hundreds of commuters depend on the road that also happens to be one of the city’s busiest.

“The condition of the road has deteriorated over the past couple of years and it is causing severe inconvenience to commuters. No step has been taken for its repair,” said Prashant Das, 31, another local resident.

Local residents said commuters, especially schoolchildren, were facing problems because of bad road condition and the problem worsened during the rainy season.

“It is very difficult to identify water-filled craters that dot the road. The authorities should initiate urgent measures to repair the road which is posing a threat to commuters,” said Rakesh Sahu, 29, who is regular on the stretch.

On the other hand, local councillor Bijay Pradhan blamed the officials of the roads and buildings department for the delay in carrying out repair work. Moreover, he has assured to bring the matter to the notice of the officials concerned to speed up the repair process. “Though the tender process for the repair of the road has been completed, the roads and building department is yet to initiate steps to begin work. The officials have assured to take up repair work after monsoon,” said Pradhan.

Many residents, however, feel that repair work can start after the rains but the authorities should take immediate steps to fill up the craters with debris and other materials.

Despite repeated attempts, officials of the roads and buildings department could not be contacted for their comments.