Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22: The dream of a smooth ride on the approach roads to Rasulgarh flyover could finally be realised after the administration decided to take up the issue with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

These stretches, which fall under the jurisdiction of the NHAI, are covered with potholes and are perennially in a bad state, leading to a bumpy ride for commuters. According to proposed plans, the works department, the NHAI and the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) will jointly undertake the road repair.

'We have written to the NHAI for permission to take up repair of the stretch. We will demolish a few adjacent structures to widen the road. We will send a proposal to the NHAI before starting work. We are hopeful of beginning in a month or two,' said a works department official.

The flyover and the approach roads are among the city's most important stretches and has cut down travel time between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar from 45 minutes to 30 minutes, especially for residents of nearby areas such as VSS Nagar, Satsang Vihar, Rasulgarh, Palasuni and Mancheswar.

'After the flyover was inaugurated in 2015, the authorities have rarely undertaken any repair work on the approach roads. This has worsened conditions,' said Palasuni resident Prakash Mishra.

'It is risky and difficult to use these roads. Anything can happen at any time,' Mishra said.

Bad roads aside, residents also complained about overflowing drains on the stretches. The drains running along the approach roads are in a dilapidated state, often overflowing on to the road and making commuting difficult.

'It is a nightmare to use these roads. During summer, the roads became dusty, while rain and wastewater inundate the stretches during monsoon,' said Rasulgarh resident Alok Jena.

'Minor accidents are a regular affair here. The condition of the roads have not improved in than two years and there has been no effort to solve this problem,' he added.

Soil erosion is another threat to this part of the city, according to a report of the state forest and environment department.

The report said soil erosion was occurring mainly on the approach road between Satsang Vihar and Rasulgarh Square.

'The portion from Hotel La Franklin to Rasulgarh Square, parallel to the national highway, and the main entry road from Rasulgarh Square along the State Crime Records Bureau office need to be repaired to stem soil erosion in this part of the city,' said works department chief secretary O.P. Patel, adding that the NHAI would repair its part, while Idco's job would be the second stretch.