Cuttack road closure hits patients, commuters | Bhubaneswar News
Cuttack: Residents of Khannagar are facing hardships as the only motorable road connecting their area to the ring road near a hotel is shut for over 12 days, leaving thousands stranded and patients at risk.
The works department’s ongoing drain construction has rendered the crucial stretch inaccessible to four-wheelers, including ambulances, affecting more than 11,000 residents in the densely populated locality along the Kathajodi river.
A 71-year-old cardiac patient, Sebati Sahoo, had to be carried on a stretcher to reach an ambulance two nights ago. “Thankfully, she survived and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in CDA area,” said Ranjit Sahoo, a local volunteer, who witnessed the incident.
Residents complained that the absence of an alternative route has particularly affected patients requiring regular medical attention. “My bedridden mother Sita Sahoo, who is 84, hasn’t been able to go for her regular check-ups for a week now,” said Kushan Sahoo, a local.
The road closure has also disrupted daily routines, forcing residents to park their vehicles a kilometre away. “It’s especially difficult for schoolchildren,” said Somanath Satpathy from Brahmin Sahi, Khannagar. Amarjeet Mohanty, another resident, criticised the “irresponsible approach” of authorities, highlighting concerns about elderly and ailing residents.
Contacted, superintendent engineer Asish Nayak acknowledged the delay and said the contractor has been notified. Collector (Cuttack), Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, assured that instructions have been issued to complete the work within two days.
The works department’s ongoing drain construction has rendered the crucial stretch inaccessible to four-wheelers, including ambulances, affecting more than 11,000 residents in the densely populated locality along the Kathajodi river.
A 71-year-old cardiac patient, Sebati Sahoo, had to be carried on a stretcher to reach an ambulance two nights ago. “Thankfully, she survived and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in CDA area,” said Ranjit Sahoo, a local volunteer, who witnessed the incident.
Residents complained that the absence of an alternative route has particularly affected patients requiring regular medical attention. “My bedridden mother Sita Sahoo, who is 84, hasn’t been able to go for her regular check-ups for a week now,” said Kushan Sahoo, a local.
The road closure has also disrupted daily routines, forcing residents to park their vehicles a kilometre away. “It’s especially difficult for schoolchildren,” said Somanath Satpathy from Brahmin Sahi, Khannagar. Amarjeet Mohanty, another resident, criticised the “irresponsible approach” of authorities, highlighting concerns about elderly and ailing residents.
Contacted, superintendent engineer Asish Nayak acknowledged the delay and said the contractor has been notified. Collector (Cuttack), Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, assured that instructions have been issued to complete the work within two days.
