NH-5 near CRPF Square
NH-5 divides the city into two parts as it travels from Palasuni to Khandagiri Square. The 14km highway is a busy one with heavy and light vehicles using the stretch. The recent rain and waterlogging has left several parts of the highway in bad shape. The situation is worst near CRPF Square, where large potholes dot the highway. The condition of the stretch worsens everyday but that doesn't stop the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) engage in blame-game over waterlogging. Commuter Bijay Mahanty said it was difficult to use the service lanes when it rains, as they were often waterlogged. “The administration should repair the stretch on a priority basis,” said Bijay.
Officialspeak: “The damages are rain induced and usual during the season. We have taken care to avoid waterlogging on the flyover and have drilled a hole to drain out floodwater. We are also repairing the damaged service lanes in a phased manner,” said an NHAI official.
Azad Marg near City Women’s College
This road runs from NH-5 at Fire Station Square to Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at Siripur. Sobhagya Nagar near Delta Square lies at the middle of this stretch is a waterlogged zone. Heavy showers have damaged the bitumen on the road, making the stretch a commuter’s nightmare. Surya Nagar resident Tirlok Mishra said: “It’s a nightmare to use this stretch at night as there is every chance of falling into potholes filled with rainwater.”
Officialspeak: Works department officials, however, have an explanation for the situation. “Very heavy rain has damaged the road that is used by 1,000 light and heavy vehicles every day. Being a busy stretch, we carry out repairs every six months. We will start repair job near Delta Square in the next six to seven days,” said chief engineer, roads, public works department, O.P. Patel.
Baramunda Bus Stand
Reaching the Baramunda bus stand from National Highway 5 is a painful journey as a crucial 300metre stretch is filled with giant potholes. Both commuters as well as bus drivers find it challenging to enter the terminal. “The rain has further battered the road. The craters are so big that negotiating them is tough and we always fear of the vehicle turning turtle,” said Basant Sahoo, a night-coach driver.
Officialspeak: Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said the corporation had already conducted a survey of bad roads and this one was on the list. “We have selected the contractor who will take up the repairs shortly. The road in Baramunda and several others will be repaired over the next six months,” said Jena.
Satsang Vihar Marg
This major residential and institutional area has a population of about 15,000. Last week’s rain has damaged the road that links the area to NH-5. The road is filled with potholes and residents say minor accidents have become order of the day. “The road was repaired about three to four months ago, but rain has completely damaged it again. The potholes have made the stretch risky for commuters and motorists,” said Bhakta Das, a resident.
Officialspeak: A senior civic official said heavy vehicles frequent the stretch and had damaged the road. “The road was repaired recently but heavy rain and continuous plying of trucks have damaged it again. We will submit a proposal to repair the road,” the official said.
