Bhubaneswar: Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Wednesday directed senior engineers to complete repairs on all remaining damaged roads in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack within two days, ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.
The instruction was issued during a high-level review meeting at Nirman Soudha to assess progress on previously issued directions regarding road restoration in the twin cities and adjoining areas. According to a report by The Times of India, officials informed the meeting that most of the badly damaged road stretches identified for urgent repairs had already been restored, while a few locations still required attention.
Priority for Festival Routes and Busy Roads
During the meeting, Harichandan instructed the chief engineer and superintending engineers to expedite the remaining repair work and ensure that roads along major festival routes, market areas and important traffic corridors were addressed on priority.
With Durga Puja expected to bring increased movement of people and vehicles, the minister emphasised the need to complete pending work within the stipulated deadline. Timely restoration of damaged roads is important for smoother traffic movement and safer travel for residents and festival visitors.
The minister also stressed the adoption of modern construction and road-repair technologies in future projects. The use of improved techniques, he said, should help enhance road durability, reduce recurring damage and minimise the need for frequent maintenance.
Works Secretary Flags Unauthorised Road Digging
Works Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh expressed concern over instances of agencies digging up roads that were in good condition without obtaining prior approval from the Works Department.
He directed superintending and junior engineers to closely monitor such activities at the ground level and take firm action against agencies found violating departmental rules.
Unauthorised digging can damage recently repaired roads and create additional problems for commuters. The department’s instructions seek to strengthen monitoring and ensure that road infrastructure is not damaged unnecessarily.
Inspection of Vehicle Underpasses Ordered
Singh also instructed officials to inspect vehicle underpasses located beneath national highways and submit detailed reports on their existing condition to the department.
The inspections are expected to help officials assess the condition of these structures and identify locations that may require maintenance or repairs.
Road Readiness Ahead of Durga Puja
The two-day deadline places responsibility on senior engineering officials to ensure that all identified pending repairs in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are completed before the festival rush intensifies.
The review also highlighted the need for better supervision of roadworks, improved construction quality and stricter action against unauthorised digging. The condition of roads across the twin cities remains an important concern as residents and visitors prepare for Durga Puja celebrations.
