Sambalpur: Burla’s VIP Road Deteriorates in Just 9 Months; Residents Question Quality and Demand Immediate Repairs
Nine-Month-Old Road Shows Signs of Wear
Sambalpur: In Burla, a VIP road that was only built nine months ago is already showing significant signs of wear. The bitumen surface has begun to peel, raising residents’ concerns about the road’s durability and quality. Despite being a crucial route connecting important institutions such as Sambalpur University, VSSUT, and Vimsar, the road’s condition has rapidly deteriorated.
Residents Question Construction Quality
The ₹1.95 crore resurfaced road connects PC Bridge to Planetarium Square and Golgunda Overbridge. However, the thin layer of pichu (asphalt) and bajri (gravel) has begun to deteriorate, causing dust to fill the area whenever a vehicle passes by. This has caused problems for commuters, particularly two-wheelers, because loose gravel has caused tires to slip, resulting in frequent accidents.
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Structural Flaws and Public Outcry
Citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction, pointing out that the road’s base was not properly primed, and the mix of bitumen and bajri was not up to standard. These issues have led to the road developing potholes and cracks, especially on speed bumps, making it a hazard for motorists. The Public Works Department (PWD) had previously ignored these concerns, but now the deteriorating condition has become impossible to overlook.
PWD Acknowledges the Issue
PWD officials, including SDO Shantanu Sahu, have acknowledged the poor condition of the road. The contract states that the road has a “defect liability period” of one year, during which time the contractor is responsible for repairs. With only three months left in this period, the contractor has been instructed to carry out the necessary repairs following the monsoon. However, this has sparked speculation among locals about the road’s true lifespan.
Community Demands Accountability
Residents are questioning the effectiveness of the construction process and the authorities’ oversight. The rapid deterioration of a road built only nine months ago has raised concerns about the quality of work and the parties’ responsibilities. As the repair period approaches, the community waits to see if the responsible parties will take the necessary steps or if the road’s condition will worsen.
