Residents of Bhubaneswar are finally experiencing relief as city authorities have launched extensive repair work on multiple major roads and internal lanes that had been in deplorable condition for an extended period across various city areas.
Citizen Power Drives Change
The significant infrastructure initiative came after numerous residents raised the pressing issue through The Times of India's Citizen Reporter portal, detailing how the deteriorating road conditions were making daily life challenging for everyone. The collective voice of concerned citizens successfully brought attention to the urgent need for road improvements.
Several important roads including Smart Janpath, Sachivalaya Marg, Jagamara Road, Infocity Road, and Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan Road had developed dangerous craters and uneven surfaces following rainfall, creating commuting nightmares for thousands of residents. The problem extended beyond main arteries to numerous internal lanes throughout the city.
Specific Concerns Raised by Residents
Citizen reporter Anirudh Kund highlighted a particularly hazardous situation near Infocity Road where large quantities of pebbles and gravel had been dumped, creating unsafe conditions for commuters. "Request authorities to look into the matter to avoid incidents," Kund urgently appealed to the authorities.
Another concerned resident, Subhrant Bal, drew attention to the problematic roads near Buddha Jayanti Park in Niladri Vihar, one of Bhubaneswar's most densely populated residential areas that hosts several hospitals and important institutions. "The road in front of Buddha Park at Niladri Vihar was dug up and filled with mud and soil. The bikers have a harrowing time as their wheels skid due to wet soil. It also gives rise to dust in the dry season. Hope BMC will repair the road immediately," Bal wrote in his complaint.
Official Response and Action Plan
Responding to the growing public concern, City Mayor Sulochana Das confirmed that repair work on internal roads has been fast-tracked across Bhubaneswar. "The road repair agencies have been asked to ensure citizens' convenience during the repair work," she assured residents.
Das elaborated that the administration has specifically requested the public works department to identify major roads requiring urgent attention and complete necessary repairs while implementing proper safety measures for ongoing traffic. "Most of the work is going on during the nighttime when traffic volume remains low. The works department is also employing new technologies to ensure the durability of the road. The maintenance will be done accordingly," the Mayor explained.
Officials confirmed that Sachivalaya Marg between Acharya Vihar Square and Sainik School Square, a stretch that typically requires regular maintenance, is currently undergoing comprehensive renovation. According to sources, the department is implementing climate-resilient road techniques to enhance the longevity and durability of the repaired surfaces, representing a significant upgrade from previous repair methods.
The proactive response from Bhubaneswar authorities demonstrates the effectiveness of citizen journalism and community engagement in addressing urban infrastructure challenges, setting a positive precedent for resident-government collaboration in solving civic issues.
