Gurujang–Nuagaon Road in Disrepair, Accident Risks Mount

Waterlogging and potholes disrupt traffic; residents of over 15 villages suffer, 40–50 people reportedly injured in two months

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 25: Commuters travelling along the Gurujang–Nuagaon road in Khordha are facing increasing difficulties as large potholes, damaged road surfaces and waterlogging have turned the stretch into a major traffic hazard. With rainwater accumulating in several craters, motorists often find it difficult to distinguish between the road surface and the potholes, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite the deteriorating condition of the road for a considerable period, little visible action has been taken to address the problem. The situation has become particularly difficult during the monsoon, when waterlogged potholes pose a serious threat to commuters, especially two-wheeler riders.

The affected stretch falls under Ward No. 18 of Khordha Municipality and connects Gurujang Tangi Sahi with Nuagaon. Residents of more than 15 villages depend on this road for their daily transportation. According to local residents, around 40–50 people have reportedly sustained injuries in road accidents over the past two months. However, official data to substantiate the claim could not be independently ascertained.
Residents have also expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the department responsible for the construction and maintenance of the road, alleging that the uncertainty has delayed remedial measures.
The Gurujang–Nuagaon road is more than a rural link, serving as an important connectivity route between Khordha town and several surrounding villages.
People from Nuagaon, Arang, Mahul, Madhupur, Majana, Angarapada, Palaspur, Bindhagiri, Chhatabar, Minchin Patana, Mendhasal and Arishal, among other localities, regularly use the road for commuting.
The stretch is also important for people travelling to Khordha, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. A large number of vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles, pass through the road every day.
However, its deteriorating condition has increased travel time, caused damage to vehicles and disrupted the daily lives of commuters. The presence of numerous potholes has made even short journeys inconvenient and hazardous.
Students travelling to schools and colleges, office-goers and people visiting Khordha town for various purposes are among those bearing the brunt of the poor road conditions. Pregnant women, elderly people and patients are also facing considerable hardship while travelling along the stretch.
The situation is particularly dangerous for two-wheeler riders. In an attempt to avoid potholes, motorists are often compelled to change direction suddenly, increasing the possibility of collisions with other vehicles.
Local residents said that two-wheelers frequently lose balance when their wheels enter deep potholes, causing riders to fall and sustain injuries.
The problem becomes more acute during the rainy season, as rainwater accumulates in the damaged portions of the road, concealing the depth of the potholes. Commuters often encounter them unexpectedly, resulting in accidents.
Residents claimed that approximately 40–50 people had sustained injuries in accidents on the road over the past two months and had received treatment at Khordha District Headquarters Hospital. However, no official figures were available to corroborate the number of injured persons.
According to local residents, the road had potholes earlier, but the condition has deteriorated considerably in recent months.
They attributed the worsening situation partly to the prolonged construction of the new National Highway-57 and the deterioration of the road beneath the Gurujang–Nuagaon overbridge, where rainwater frequently accumulates.
Residents further alleged that the movement of heavy vehicles along the stretch had increased over the past two months following the commencement of work at an industrial establishment in Arang mouza.
The increased movement of heavy vehicles has reportedly placed additional pressure on the already damaged road, accelerating the formation of potholes and further weakening the surface.
With industrial activity and economic activities in the area expanding, residents stressed the need to ensure that the road infrastructure is capable of handling the increased traffic load.
They called for a technical assessment to determine the causes of the damage, followed by appropriate repairs and clear identification of the agency responsible for maintaining the road.
The deteriorating condition of the road has triggered resentment among local residents, who alleged that the problem has persisted despite being brought to the attention of the authorities.
District-level officials, representatives of the industrial establishment, IDCO officials and the Tahasildar, among others, reportedly use the road regularly. Residents questioned why no effective steps had been taken to repair the stretch despite its condition being visible to those travelling through the area.
They said they had earlier submitted a written complaint to the then District Collector, highlighting the difficulties faced by commuters. However, the road’s condition remained largely unchanged, they alleged.
Residents have demanded that the district administration clarify which department or agency is responsible for the road’s construction and maintenance and initiate repair work without further delay.
With the condition of the Gurujang–Nuagaon road continuing to deteriorate, residents fear that the risk of accidents will increase unless immediate remedial measures are taken.
They have urged the district administration to inspect the road, assess the extent of the damage and direct the concerned department to undertake repairs on a priority basis.
Residents maintained that merely filling potholes with soil or gravel would provide only temporary relief and fail to address the underlying problem. They called for durable road repairs suited to the volume of heavy vehicle traffic, along with improvements to the drainage system to prevent rainwater from accumulating on the road.A comprehensive assessment of the road’s structural condition, drainage requirements and traffic load is also necessary to ensure that repairs withstand the demands of regular use, they said.
The road serves as an essential transportation link for thousands of people in the surrounding villages. Residents have urged the authorities to act promptly to restore its condition and ensure safer, smoother commuting.
They have warned that continued inaction could lead to public agitation if their demands for immediate repairs and a permanent solution remain unaddressed.