CUTTACK: The alleged lackadaisical attitude of the civic administration in repairing potholed, damaged roads in Cuttack, besides failure to tackle the waterlogging situation in the city amid incessant rains, has caused severe inconvenience to the city residents, with many stretches literally turning into death traps for commuters.
The deteriorating condition of roads has triggered strong resentment among residents who allege the authorities concerned have turned a deaf ear to their pleas despite repeated complaints.
One such road which is in dire need of repair is the stretch connecting Madhupatana Square to Badambadi. The road is dotted with huge potholes, making it a hotspot for accidents. “We face serious difficulties in navigating through the stretch due to the water-filled potholes as one mistake can lead to loss of balance and cause accidents,” said some commuters.
Similarly, conditions of the roads near the fish market at Khan Nagar, Mahanadi and Kathajodi ring roads, Rajabagicha, Chandni Chowk, Mahammadia Bazar, Dargha Bazar, Seminary Square, Buxi Bazar, Sutahat, College Square, Station Bazar and Chhatra Bazar, etc., are also extremely deplorable, making travel on the routes a nightmarish experience for commuters.
More so, the recent incessant rains have washed away a portion of the road from Chahata to Madhu Setu near Manteswari Gada, rendering it waterlogged, while a deep pothole has developed on the Sati Chaura-Dagarpada road near Bichintrananda Balashram, making commuting a risky affair on the stretches.
Meanwhile, fed up with the Cuttack Municipal Corporation and the local corporator’s unresponsiveness towards their complaints, local residents took it on themselves and fixed the potholes on the road stretch from Seminary Chhak to Nua Rausapatana, recently.
Mayor Subhash Singh said in view of the ensuing monsoon season, pitching work is not possible.
“Instructions have been given to carry out repair work on a temporary basis,” he added. Singh, however, assured that permanent repair and restoration work of all roads will be accomplished before the festive season.