Heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have severely damaged roads across Odisha this year, cutting off vital transportation links. Following viral social media outrage over dilapidated infrastructure, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has ordered urgent repairs on a war footing during a high-level review meeting.
Priority targets include critical routes like the Nakhara-Niali and Kalinga Ghat roads, alongside districts such as Koraput, Ganjam, Sambalpur, and Paradip. To combat corruption and shortcuts, the government has enforced stringent oversight mechanisms.
Key measures include:
Mandatory Inspections: Engineers from Junior to Chief levels must personally inspect road conditions within their jurisdictions.
Progress Tracking: Official status reports on ongoing construction must be submitted every 15 days.
On-Site Supervision: Engineers are legally required to remain present during execution to guarantee material quality.
Minister Harichandan has issued a stern warning that any contracting agency found delivering substandard work will face immediate, severe legal consequences.