Delay in city’s foot overbridge construction irks residents | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: The tardy pace of construction work on the foot over bridge (FOB) at Palasuni Square on National Highway-16 has sparked widespread frustration among both commuters and local residents.
This particular stretch of the highway saw numerous fatal accidents over the years, with pedestrians being particularly vulnerable while attempting to cross the busy thoroughfare, especially during peak hours.
Following persistent demands from the residents of Palasuni for a safe crossing solution, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) issued a work order for the FOB construction in June this year.
Initial signs of progress were visible in Aug when contractors began deep excavation work at the site. However, the project soon ground to a halt, reportedly due to unnecessary delays attributed to the contractors’ inefficient management and execution.
“We have already issued a notice to the construction agency and directed it to complete the work on time, or else it will face delay charges. We are aware of the problem and working continuously for the safety of people,” NHAI project director, Bhubaneswar circle, K Nageswara Rao, said.
The situation, in the meantime, has only heightened public concern about pedestrian safety in the area. “Palasuni is slowly gaining popularity for the frequent accidents. Authorities seem to be less worried about the situation,” Samarth Shah, a local, said.
The FOB project is part of NHAI’s broader initiative, launched last year, to enhance pedestrian safety along NH-16, which runs through the heart of the city. The comprehensive plan includes the strategic placement of foot-over bridges at key locations.
So far, two FOBs have been successfully grounded, one near gate number 8 of Kalinga Stadium beside NH-16 and another near Satsang Vihar. In June, work orders were issued for two additional FOBs, one at Palasuni Square and another near Rajdhani College. “The FOB should first be grounded at Palasuni since this is the place that faces more accidents than the other three sides,” Acharya Vihar resident Bhagwan Patra said.
This particular stretch of the highway saw numerous fatal accidents over the years, with pedestrians being particularly vulnerable while attempting to cross the busy thoroughfare, especially during peak hours.
Following persistent demands from the residents of Palasuni for a safe crossing solution, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) issued a work order for the FOB construction in June this year.
Initial signs of progress were visible in Aug when contractors began deep excavation work at the site. However, the project soon ground to a halt, reportedly due to unnecessary delays attributed to the contractors’ inefficient management and execution.
“We have already issued a notice to the construction agency and directed it to complete the work on time, or else it will face delay charges. We are aware of the problem and working continuously for the safety of people,” NHAI project director, Bhubaneswar circle, K Nageswara Rao, said.
The situation, in the meantime, has only heightened public concern about pedestrian safety in the area. “Palasuni is slowly gaining popularity for the frequent accidents. Authorities seem to be less worried about the situation,” Samarth Shah, a local, said.
The FOB project is part of NHAI’s broader initiative, launched last year, to enhance pedestrian safety along NH-16, which runs through the heart of the city. The comprehensive plan includes the strategic placement of foot-over bridges at key locations.
So far, two FOBs have been successfully grounded, one near gate number 8 of Kalinga Stadium beside NH-16 and another near Satsang Vihar. In June, work orders were issued for two additional FOBs, one at Palasuni Square and another near Rajdhani College. “The FOB should first be grounded at Palasuni since this is the place that faces more accidents than the other three sides,” Acharya Vihar resident Bhagwan Patra said.
