Bhubaneswar: Commuters along Sriya Square and HHI Square at Kharavela Nagar can finally relax about road safety after the city administration finally completing repairs of the stretch.

The Telegraph had on June 14 reported about the poor condition of the road - filled with giant potholes - that was a nightmare experience for commuters along the stretch.

The stretch connects Janpath with a cinema on one side and a posh hotel on the other side. However, potholes of various sizes had made it difficult to drive for the 18 months. "It is an important road of this area. A number of people, mainly cinemagoers and shoppers, commute on this stretch. The road remains in a bad condition for long time, but finally it was repaired now," said Nigam Hota, a resident.

The area is part of the proposed Town Centre District and has been getting additional government funds to improve basic infrastructure such as roads, drains and street lights.

However, despite the work being taken up, several stretches in the area continue to remain in a bad state, revealing the administration's apathy. Overflowing drains during heavy rain also compounds the problems.

"These are being touted as smart wards just in name - nothing is smart here. The roads are in a bad state, the drains continue to overflow, garbage is not regularly cleared. There has to be efforts to address these issues," said social worker Alok Mohanty.

Residents, though welcoming of the decision to repair the road, asked for proper maintenance of other roads in the localities as well. "It is a welcome step, but they should make sure that the other roads in our locality are in a good condition," said Raju, a tea seller on the stretch.

Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said they had continuously been asking councillors to submit lists of basic infrastructure work in their respective area. "We are undertaking periodic repair of roads, drains and other infrastructure. I urge people to come to us if they face any problems and we will take action," said Jena.