Gas Pipeline Reinstalled on Busy Bhubaneswar Road, Sparking Safety Fears
A critical cooking gas pipeline, which was removed from the heavily trafficked Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan Road in Bhubaneswar eight months ago following a safety exposé, has been reinstalled at nearly the exact same location. This unexpected move has ignited fresh and urgent safety concerns among daily commuters, road safety activists, and urban planning experts.
Reinstallation Without Adequate Safety Measures
The pipeline, belonging to a local gas distribution network, was recently placed back on the arterial road. Alarmingly, this reinstallation was executed without deploying proper warning signs or sufficient barricading. The structure now stands raised approximately four feet from the ground, with only a single warning board marked with a cross on one side. This makes it barely visible, especially to fast-moving traffic during nighttime hours, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
Experts and Activists Voice Grave Concerns
Road safety activist PV Raman has strongly criticized the decision, issuing a stark warning. "Placing a gas pipeline on a busy road is unacceptable. It goes against every basic principle of road safety and hazard management," Raman stated. He emphasized that the pipeline's presence on this congested stretch could potentially trigger a major fire incident in the event of a gas leak or a severe vehicle collision.
The risk is further magnified by the proximity of a fuel station, located directly opposite the pipeline on the left side of the carriageway between Damana and Nalco Square. This dangerous juxtaposition adds a layer of catastrophic potential to any accident.
Commuters Face Daily Danger and Frustration
For daily travelers, the reinstalled pipeline has become a hazardous obstacle. It narrows the carriageway, forcing vehicle riders to perform dangerous maneuvers to avoid hitting the structure. "This is really illogical. How can the road-owning authority allow such an installation in the first place?" questioned Akash Nath, a regular commuter, echoing the frustration and fear shared by many.
The Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan Road witnesses exceptionally heavy traffic during peak hours. Residents and regular commuters now fear that leaving the exposed pipe head at this spot could inevitably lead to a serious, potentially fatal, accident.
A History of Neglect and Calls for Accountability
This is not the first time this pipeline has posed a threat. The Times of India originally reported on its dangerous placement directly on the road surface in June of the previous year, highlighting the vulnerability of motorists to accidents and gas-related hazards. Following that report, authorities had taken action and removed the structure. Its return underscores a troubling pattern of oversight.
Urban planner Dipu Nanda pointed to a larger systemic issue. "With the city expanding, underground utility networks will get denser. Unplanned or poorly supervised installations, especially on the roads, could lead to dangerous consequences," he cautioned, urging authorities to enforce strict protocols for all utility-related road works.
Official Response and Promised Action
In response to the growing outcry, Bhubaneswar City Mayor Sulochana Das has assured that the matter will be addressed with urgency. "We will pursue the matter with the agency concerned and take necessary steps to remove the pipe at the earliest," she stated, committing to immediate intervention with the installing agency.
The situation remains a pressing test for the city's infrastructure management and its commitment to public safety, as citizens await the promised corrective action.
