A huge budget has been released for road construction and repair in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The poor condition of Bhubaneswar’s roads, including potholes, waterlogging, and traffic jams, was a key topic of discussion in the Odisha Assembly.

Rajnagar MLA Dhruv Charan Sahu raised the issue and pointed out the difficulties faced by commuters.

He explained that roads like Nayapalli-Kalinganagar, Jaydev Vihar-Khandagiri, Rasulgarh-Baranga, and Shahid Nagar become waterlogged during the monsoon season, causing traffic congestion. Broken roads and potholes pose challenges for commuters, school buses, and ambulances, while also increasing the number of accidents.

Responding to the question, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has prioritized road development. He said that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and the Works Department have allocated ₹150 crore for road repair and development this financial year. A pothole-free program is underway on 45 kilometers of major roads. Concrete and asphalt work on the Nayapalli-Kalinganagar, Jaydev Vihar, and Sahid Nagar roads will be completed soon.

Harichandan said that the Bhubaneswar Ring Road project will begin within a month. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and connect Baranga, Jatani, and Khordha. Tenders have been issued and the DPR has been prepared. He also announced QR codes for all roads to facilitate transparent monitoring. The drainage system will be upgraded and potholes will be filled before the monsoon.

Sahu welcomed the minister’s response and emphasized that timely completion will benefit the public. He urged strict monitoring of quality and deadlines. This discussion attracted the attention of the opposition, while people are now waiting for these promises to be fulfilled.