Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan Reviews Road Repairs Ahead of Durga Puja

Odisha Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday reviewed the progress of road repair work in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack ahead of Durga Puja. During a high-level meeting, he directed officials to complete all remaining road repairs within the next two days.

Officials informed the meeting that repair work on most damaged roads across the twin cities and adjoining areas had been completed. Legislators present at the meeting thanked the state government and the Works Department for expediting the repairs in their respective constituencies.

Harichandan instructed the chief engineers and superintending engineers to ensure that all pending repair work was completed within the stipulated deadline. He also emphasised the need to adopt modern construction techniques to improve road quality and ensure the durability of newly constructed roads.

Action Against Unauthorised Road Excavation

Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh expressed concern over institutions and agencies digging up roads in good condition without obtaining departmental permission.

He advised superintending engineers and junior engineers to remain vigilant and take strict action against organisations responsible for unauthorised excavation.

The meeting also reviewed road infrastructure-related concerns, including vehicle underpasses (VUPs) beneath national highways. Officials were directed to inspect the condition of all such underpasses and submit reports to the department.

Focus on Timely Road Maintenance

The meeting stressed the need to complete road repairs earlier in subsequent years. Officials were encouraged to ensure that maintenance work was completed by Ganesh Puja rather than waiting until the Durga Puja period.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Cuttack Mayor Subash Chandra Singh, legislators Babu Singh, Naba Kishore Mallik and Souvik Biswal, and senior engineers and departmental officials attended the meeting.

The government aims to improve road conditions, strengthen monitoring and prevent unauthorised digging to ensure smoother travel during the festive season.