Odisha Govt Orders Mission-Mode Repair of Potholes, Covering of Open Drains

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all departments responsible for road maintenance within urban local body (ULB) areas to urgently repair potholes and cover open roadside drains in a mission mode. The directive, issued by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Usha Padhee, aims to ensure safer and more hygienic urban infrastructure across the state.

In a letter addressed to the Works Department, Rural Development Department, and regional officers of the National Highways Authority, Padhee instructed strict adherence to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s order for pothole-free roads and covered drains in all ULBs. The repairs and covering of drains are to be prioritized along roads managed by the NH, Roads & Buildings (R&B), and Rural Development (RD) departments that pass through urban areas.

Padhee emphasized that stretches of roads within municipal limits often fall under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies. To address this, she directed joint surveys in collaboration with ULBs to identify, mark, and geo-tag potholes and damaged areas, as well as assess the condition of open roadside drains. The survey is expected to be completed within 30 days of receiving the directive, with reports to be submitted through the respective ULBs.

Priority will be given to areas with high public activity such as markets, hospitals, educational institutions, accident-prone zones, and densely populated wards. Repairs are to be carried out in a durable manner, while open drains are to be covered with RCC slabs to enhance safety, hygiene, and prevent accidents.

The repair and slab-casting work will be funded through departmental budgets and must be completed by April 30, 2026, in line with the Chief Minister’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure. Departments are also required to submit fortnightly progress reports for monitoring and evaluation.

Field officers are expected to work closely with ULB Commissioners and Executive Officers to ensure timely implementation. Padhee assured that the department will closely monitor progress and called for collective cooperation in building safer and more resilient urban spaces.

This initiative reflects the government’s focus on improving the quality of life for citizens and strengthening urban infrastructure through coordinated, mission-mode interventions.