Bhubaneswar: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, raising concerns over widespread traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar caused by unplanned road works across the city.
In his letter dated April 24, Dr. Patra highlighted that multiple road repair, excavation, and diversion works are being carried out simultaneously at major roads and key junctions without proper coordination, resulting in severe inconvenience to commuters.
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, the MP pointed out that the execution lacks planning, leading to “artificial traffic jams,” especially during peak hours. He noted that the situation is affecting office-goers, school transport, emergency services, and the general public.
The letter also flagged several issues contributing to the problem, including the absence of clearly marked diversion routes, inadequate deployment of traffic personnel, poor coordination between civic agencies and traffic authorities, and roadwork being carried out during high-traffic hours.
Dr. Patra urged the chief minister to direct authorities such as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, and Commissionerate Police to take immediate corrective measures.
He recommended implementing planned traffic diversions before starting work, restricting major construction during peak hours, ensuring proper signage and barricading, and improving coordination among agencies.
Calling for urgent intervention, the MP stressed that a more structured approach would help reduce public inconvenience while allowing development projects to proceed efficiently.
