Sambalpur: Negligence by PWD; Open Trenches and Half-Finished Roads All Around, Hospital Road Closed for Drain Work

Road Construction Delays Causing Major Problems

Sambalpur: The Public Works Department (PWD) has put the city at risk. Several roads have not been constructed, while others are left incomplete with large open trenches. Despite repeated complaints, neither the officials nor the contractors have taken any action. As a result, the public is facing great difficulty.

Blame Game Between Departments

Meanwhile, PWD officials are allegedly blaming other departments to escape responsibility. In various parts of the city, development works have led to dug-up roads, but there has been no urgency to finish them. Projects meant to improve the city are progressing very slowly.

Access to Hospital Severely Affected

Due to ongoing drainage work, the main road connecting the district headquarters hospital (DHH) was recently opened up near Church-Chowk (a major junction). As a result, patients and ambulance services have been badly affected. Vehicles traveling from Budharaja are being forced to take a narrow lane instead of the main road, creating traffic congestion. Until the drainage work is complete, this problem may continue. Hence, people are demanding that the work be completed quickly and that smooth access to the hospital be restored on priority.

Other Roads Also Dug Up, Causing Water Logging

Similarly, several other roads have been opened for repairs, but poor coordination has caused further damage. For instance, water pipes are bursting due to the ongoing construction, leading to water accumulation in various places.

Stalled Projects and Incomplete Repairs

The road from Thakurpada to Panchagochhia was taken up for widening, but even after many days, it remains half-finished. In many locations, pipes have broken beneath the road, causing it to collapse. After such incidents, PWD officials simply shift the blame to the Public Health Department (PHD), avoiding accountability for their own negligence.

Negligence or Mismanagement?

The department has remained silent about whether the issues are due to carelessness or corruption. Many believe that a lack of coordination between PWD and the Water Resources Department has worsened the situation in Sambalpur.

Public Demands Urgent Action

With the road between DHH and GM University closed, students and ambulances are suffering. Therefore, local residents are strongly demanding that the drainage work be completed as soon as possible to restore normal road access.