Sambalpur: Public Works Department Signboard Misleading Tourists; IIM Actually 11 km Away, But Signboard Indicates Only 700 Meters

Sambalpur: The Public Works Department (PWD) is misleading visitors with outdated information. Although the IIM Sambalpur campus shifted nearly 1.5 years ago, a roadside signboard in front of the Planetarium in Burla still displays incorrect details. The board mentions that IIM Sambalpur is only 700 meters away, but in reality, it is located 11 kilometers from that spot.

Tourists Face Confusion

Many tourists from across India and even from abroad visit Sambalpur to see the famous Hirakud Dam. While exploring the region, they also show interest in visiting important educational institutions such as VIMSAR, Sambalpur University, VSSUT, GM University, Odisha State Open University, OUAT, and IIM Sambalpur. However, the outdated signboard causes confusion, especially for first-time visitors.

IIM Moved, But the Signboard Didn’t

IIM Sambalpur started operating in 2015 from a temporary campus located within Sambalpur University’s MBA department. Around 1.5 years ago, it shifted to its permanent campus in Basantpur, near Goshala. Despite this change, the PWD has not updated the signboard. It still points to the former temporary location.

Public Criticism Mounts

Locals are criticizing the department for its negligence. Many say the PWD has been “asleep for over a year and a half,” ignoring repeated confusion among visitors. Residents urge officials to correct the signboard immediately to avoid further misinformation.

While Sambalpur gains recognition as an educational hub, poor signage risks harming its reputation. Accurate, updated information is essential, especially in tourist-heavy areas.