By the end of 2024, the road infrastructure projects completed in India can be compared to the USA’s. There is no shortage of funds. The only problem in implementation of the work which needs to be given a push, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had said in the Parliament.
Well, if one analyses the six-laning work of the National Highway-16’s stretch from Bhubaneswar to Khordha being executed by Agarwal Infrabuild Private Limited (APL), at an estimated cost of Rs 630 crore, one has severe doubts over Gadkari’s claims and intention of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which enjoys a 3A rating in the country, to complete the work at the earliest.
Traffic congestion, poor maintenance of the NH and service road, diversions without appropriate signages at the right places is proving a nightmare for the motorists and leading to frequent accidents in which many people are losing their lives or limbs.
The 25 km stretch, which can be covered in just 30 minutes, takes more than an hour, alleged by some frequent travellers on the NH. It might be mentioned here that the Khordha Collector commutes on this road daily from Bhubaneswar to the Khordha Collectorate.
The NHAI is lagging behind in construction, expansion or repair work of all the projects in Odisha. Though the Khordha-Bhubaneswar stretch is yet to be completed, toll is being collected. Though NHAI is collecting crores of rupees as toll, the safety aspect is being neglected. No crane or ambulance has been provided to take care of the ‘Golden Hour’ norms in case of a mishap. Besides, a toll-free number for the mishap victims has been put up in signages, said road safety expert Subrat Kumar Nanda.
However, APL road safety in-charge Sandeep Kumar said, “We will complete the work by October or November end of 2022. We have provided a 23 tonne crane and an ambulance in case any mishap occurs. The potholes or road damages have occurred due to monsoons which are in full swing in Odisha.”
“We have put or put up reflex boards displaying the road diversions, toll free number and other information for the commuters or motorists. After the monsoons we will repair all the potholes and other damages. We have a contract to maintain the road for four years after its completion,” Kumar added.
Despite repeated attempts NHAI Odisha in-charge Ram Panda was unavailable over the mobile phone for comments.