Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Ahead of the festive Dussehra celebrations, a high-level review meeting on road repairs across Odisha was held today under the chairmanship of Law, Works, and Public Works Minister Shri Prithwiraj Harichandan. The meeting, convened at Unit-5, Construction Building’s second-floor conference hall in Bhubaneswar, focused on ensuring safe and smooth travel for citizens during the upcoming festive season.
Minister Harichandan emphasized that all major roads, particularly in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Brahmapur, Rourkela, and Sambalpur, must be free of potholes and safe for commuters before the celebrations commence. He directed the Public Works Department and other concerned authorities to implement a comprehensive repair plan, ensuring roads are fully restored by September 20.
Highlighting the challenges posed by the monsoon season, the minister observed that road damage is common after heavy rains. “It is our moral and administrative responsibility to provide citizens with safe and comfortable roads. Newly appointed officers and engineers must prioritize durable and high-quality road repairs,” he said.
A special focus will be placed on roads frequently used by the public and maintained by various departments and utility agencies. A dedicated policy will be formulated to address recurring damage, with officials tasked to conduct area inspections and submit detailed reports within two days.
The meeting also addressed issues of uncoordinated utility work by agencies such as BMTC, IDCO, OPTCL, and WATCO, which often lead to road deterioration. Minister Harichandan instructed strict monitoring and coordination among these departments to prevent future damage.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the department Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, joined the meeting. Legislators Shri Babu Singh, Shri Navakishore Mallik, and Shri Saubhik Bishwal, Mayors of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, department directors, chief engineers, and other key officials were present to contribute to the discussions.
Minister Harichandan’s directives mark a proactive approach to urban infrastructure management ahead of the festival, aiming to ensure smooth traffic flow, enhanced road safety, and a better travel experience for citizens across Odisha. The review sets a framework for long-term maintenance policies and emphasizes accountability among engineers and department heads.
With a coordinated plan in place, Odisha is poised to present a safer and more commuter-friendly road network for Dussehra, reflecting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and public welfare.
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