Potholes on roads causes inconvenience in Millennium city

Surjit Kumar Dhal, Cuttack, July 11: The recent incessant rains has worsened condition of most of the roads with the bitumen topping washed away in several places and numerous potholes—big and small–causing accidents.

Besides, the digging of roads at several places on roads by Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) for carrying out the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded integrated sanitation improvement project in the city has aggravated commuters’ woes.

The slow pace of work has made life hell for denizens.

Though the dugout portions have been filled up, cavities have developed due to substandard repair work, allege locals.

The pitiable condition can be witnessed on road stretching from Link Road to Badambadi, Barapathar to Meria Bazar College Square to Station Bazar, Shailabala Women’s College road and roads passing through Buxi Bazar, Kesharpur, Dargha Bazar, Kathagada Sahi, Jhola Sahi, Nima Sahi localities where potholes are abundant.

The potholed roads are riskier to drive not only in the night but also on day time. Water logging during the rains disguises those leading to frequent accidents.

These roads not only disrupt the smooth flow of traffic but also put financial burden on commuters as they have to spend money on the maintenance of vehicles, which get damaged while plying on the potholed roads, alleged some drivers.

Cuttack Municipal Corporation(CMC) Commissioner Ananya Das said that she had already directed authorities of OWSSB to expedite the construction work and restore roads dug by them.

“It will yield no result if permanent road works are carried out in rainy season. However, steps are being taken for repair of the potholes posing threat in the city,” said Das.