Potholes that dot the roads of Mahavirpada in Bhawaniptana have made life miserable for motorists and residents.

Thousands of vehicles ply every day on the State highway, crossing through the town, from Ghodaghat chowk to Dayanidhi chowk, a stretch of 500 meters.

Bikes, auto rickshaws, buses, trucks, school vans, Collector's and SP’s vehicles cross the road. Apart from that, Opposition leader’s car and Ministers’ vehicles also cross the road who are escorted.

A shopkeeper, Manas Ranjan Mohanty alleged that he had posted the bad road condition on the social media in the rainy season. “In reply residents commented and many likes were received. Days after, authorities came and mortars were filled up on some parts of the potholes, but the poor condition of the road could not be improved,” he alleged.

The problem is not confined to poor conditions of roads but also the poor drainage facilities. “Dirty water from choked sewerage flows on the road at Mahavir Sanskrutika Anushthan, (MSA) chowk,” said another resident, Santanu Behera adding the plight was informed to the local authorities.

The present scenario poses a threat to the commuters and minor accidents are more frequent on the busy road. Dust is adding the commuters’ woes in the winter, a shopkeeper, Murari Babu said.

Executive Engineer of Public Works Department, Bhawanipatna, Ajit Babu, who looks after the road condition, said a road work on the outskirts of Bhwanipatna was undergoing and till march a new road would be completed in the town.

Kalahandi Sachetan Nagarika Manch convenor Satya Mahar said that while the Government wants wearing of helmets citing safety of the people, it should simultaneously focus on the need of repair of the roads in the town.