TNI Bureau: Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking urgent intervention to address severe traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar caused by unplanned and simultaneous road repair and excavation works across the city.

In his letter dated April 24, Dr. Patra highlighted growing public concern over extensive road repairs, road cutting, excavation, and diversion works being undertaken in the name of urban development. While acknowledging that such projects are necessary for the city’s progress, he said the manner of execution reflects a serious lack of coordinated planning.

He pointed out that major roads and key junctions are being taken up for work simultaneously without proper traffic diversion strategies, resulting in severe congestion, especially during peak hours. This, he said, has led to artificial traffic jams, delays, and significant hardship for daily commuters.

The MP also listed several factors worsening the situation, including the absence of clearly marked diversion routes, inadequate deployment of traffic personnel, poor coordination between civic agencies and traffic authorities, and the continuation of works during high-traffic hours.

According to him, the situation has adversely affected office-goers, school transportation, emergency services, and the general public at large.

Dr. Patra urged the Chief Minister to direct the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, and the Commissionerate Police to take immediate corrective measures. These include implementing proper traffic diversion plans before initiating work, restricting major roadwork during peak hours, ensuring adequate signage and barricading, and strengthening coordination among all executing agencies.

He emphasized that a more planned and coordinated approach would ease public inconvenience and ensure that development work proceeds efficiently without disrupting the daily lives of citizens.