Bhubaneswar: A key road connecting Press Chowk to Madhupatna alongside NH-16 has deteriorated significantly, with numerous potholes and deep craters making daily commuting difficult and raising safety concerns.
The damaged stretch connects several important localities, including Khannagar, Khapuria, CNBT, Kalyan Nagar and Rajabagicha. It also provides access to major public institutions such as the Orissa High Court and Cuttack Collectorate, making it an important route for commuters and officials.
Vehicles forced to dodge potholes
Commuters say the condition of the road has made driving particularly challenging, with vehicles frequently forced to slow down suddenly or swerve to avoid large craters.
Several motorists have reportedly faced vehicle damage while negotiating the worst sections, while some vehicles have struggled to cross the deeper potholes.
The situation is considered particularly risky for two-wheeler riders at night, when poorly visible potholes can become difficult to detect in time.
Waterlogging has reportedly added to the problem, contributing to further deterioration of the road surface.
Fish markets add to traffic pressure
The road also witnesses considerable commercial movement because of two major fish markets located along the stretch.
Trucks and other commercial vehicles regularly use the route during late-night and early-morning hours to transport fish and other goods. Commuters say the heavy vehicle movement is putting additional pressure on an already weakened road surface.
Works Department promises repairs
The Works Department has acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the road and has formed a team to inspect the affected stretch.
Superintending Engineer Mohd Shahbaz said that pothole filling and necessary repair work would be undertaken within a week.
However, commuters say temporary pothole repairs may not be enough to address the underlying problem. They are demanding complete resurfacing of the damaged stretch, arguing that patchwork repairs could quickly deteriorate again, particularly under heavy commercial traffic and during the monsoon.
For thousands of daily commuters using the route, the demand is simple: a durable road that is safe to travel on, rather than repeated temporary repairs.
-OdishaAge
