The first phase of cabling work will be over by November. The project is a continuous one. So you can expect rough roads for a year more. We have two years’ time, and that will end in December 2019. Work will resume after Durga Puja
Krishan Kumar,
BMC commissioner
Bhubaneswar: The condition of roads at many places in the Smart City is still a matter of concern. Crowded places like Janpath, Master Canteen Square, Rajmahal, Ashok Nagar, Bapuji Nagar and Old Town are either dug up or are patchy.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had taken a decision in its earlier meeting in September to complete its road repair project before the Durga Puja as the festival attracts people from Cuttack, Puri and other places of the state.
Speaking to Orissa POST, BMC Commissioner Krishan Kumar said the optical fibre cabling work is going on without delay.
“The first phase of cabling work will be over by November. The project is a continuous one. So you can expect rough roads for a year more. We have two years’ time, and that will end in December 2019. Work will resume after Durga Puja,” said Kumar.
Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) Nodal Officer Nihar Pradhan said that the underground cabling work on Janpath is going on as per BMC’s Smart City Plan.
“Our corridors are different. We work after a lot of consultations. So it is taking time,” said Pradhan.
“Sachivalaya Marg and Cuttack Road is almost complete. Telecom companies are now creating problems. After getting licence they dig roads every now and then. Restoration of roads takes a long time. However, we are planning to complete all projects as soon as possible,” he added.
Another OPTCL official who requested anonymity said, “Ten agencies are working with us in underground cabling work. We have to work keeping everyone’s convenience and policies in mind.”
Police official SN Mohapatra admitted that the condition of roads at major places in the city is creating problems for the public.
“Heavy traffic jams, especially during festivals, is indeed a major concern. Four-wheelers can get stuck up to 30 minutes during rush hour, and bikers often lose balance due to bad roads,” said Mohapatra.
Hansal Patnaik, a city resident said, “One big problem here is dust. The dust spreads to nearby shops and residences due to the patchy roads. Sometimes it becomes difficult even to breathe during rush hours.”
There are abrupt cuts on the roads in Sahid Nagar, Bomikhal, Rasulgarh and Janpath which hinder smooth movement of traffic. This poses problems for commuters, especially bikers.
Dipti Ranjan Das, OP
