Bhubaneswar's Sachivalaya Marg Plunged Into Traffic Nightmare Due to Slow Road Repair Work
For the past month, commuters in Bhubaneswar have been enduring a daily ordeal on the busy Sachivalaya Marg, particularly the stretch between Sainik School and Acharya Vihar Square. Long queues of vehicles, stuck during peak hours, have become a common sight, creating a nightmare for hundreds of daily travelers. The chaos is attributed to the slow-paced road repair work being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Road Closure and Diversions Worsen Congestion
One side of the road remains closed for the ongoing restoration project, forcing a high volume of vehicles—including ambulances and hospital-bound commuters—to squeeze through a narrow passage. The dug-up surface, barricades, and uneven diversions only add to the confusion and delays. Commuters report that what used to be a quick five-minute drive now takes 20 to 25 minutes, especially during evening rush hours.
Rajesh Das, a commuter from Nayapalli, expressed his frustration: "Every evening, traffic moves inch by inch near Acharya Vihar. Ambulances get stuck in the mess; that's the most worrying part." Residents from nearby areas like Laxmi Vihar, VSS Nagar, Vani Vihar, Jayadev Vihar, and Acharya Vihar have echoed similar concerns, highlighting that morning traffic is particularly severe, affecting parents heading to schools and employees rushing to offices.
Innovative Concrete Upgrade for Longevity
The PWD is executing a first-of-its-kind road strengthening project on this crucial corridor. Instead of using traditional bitumen mix, they are laying a thick concrete layer typically reserved for highway-grade construction. This technique is designed to ensure better durability and withstand heavy traffic for years, reducing the need for recurring repairs.
A senior PWD engineer overseeing the project explained: "This is a first-of-its-kind upgrade on any city road. The concrete layer will significantly improve the road's lifespan. However, we do acknowledge the inconvenience and are trying to speed up the remaining work."
Experts Welcome Method but Criticize Delays
Transport and road safety experts have welcomed the adoption of this stronger construction method but warned that delays on such a sensitive corridor can have serious implications. Sachivalaya Marg connects several major hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices, making it effectively a health corridor with significant ambulance movement.
Road safety expert Syed Maqbool Ali commented: "Introducing durable concrete pavement is a good step, but the execution timeline should be tighter. Authorities should deploy additional manpower to finish the work at the earliest."
Officials Promise Faster Completion
In response to the growing public outcry, officials stated that the department has instructed the contractor to complete the work on priority. They are exploring whether part of the newly laid section can be opened earlier to ease congestion. An official added: "We expect substantial progress in the next 10 to 12 days, after which traffic movement will improve."
While the innovative concrete upgrade promises long-term benefits for Bhubaneswar's infrastructure, the current execution has highlighted the need for better planning and faster implementation to minimize disruption on this vital urban artery.
