Former North Bhubaneswar MLA Priyadarshi Mishra has submitted a formal proposal to Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, demanding the widening, complete renovation, and construction of a sturdy safety guard wall along the Kuakhai Riverbank Road.
The key road stretch—connecting National Highway-16 (NH-16) to Kanpur along the banks of the Kuakhai River—serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of daily commuters travelling between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
A Critical Bypass Route for Twin City Commuters
Originally built in 2014–15 during Priyadarshi Mishra’s tenure as MLA at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore, the road included stone packing along the river embankment to ensure structural integrity and durability. Over the years, it significantly improved local connectivity and boosted economic activity in the riverbank communities.
However, with the construction of the Pratapnagari Bridge over the Kuakhai River, the corridor has evolved into a strategic alternative route. It effectively eases the heavy traffic burden off main expressways connecting Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Rising Traffic and Safety Concerns
With a rapid increase in daily vehicle movement, the existing road capacity is struggling to keep pace. The situation becomes particularly acute during the annual Bhubaneswar Bali Yatra, hosted on the Kuakhai riverbed, which attracts massive crowds and heavy vehicular traffic.
Key reasons highlighted for the urgent upgrade include:
-
Enhanced Commuter Safety: Building a reinforced concrete guard wall along the riverward side will drastically reduce accident risks.
-
Traffic Congestion Relief: Widening the road will ensure smooth traffic flow between the twin cities.
-
Festival Readiness: Modernising the infrastructure is crucial to manage peak traffic during major local events like Bali Yatra.
Call for Immediate Government Action
Stressing the long-term importance of the corridor, Mr Mishra urged the state government to treat the widening, repair, and guard wall construction as an integrated development project. He requested prompt allocation of funds to expedite execution, emphasising that a modernised riverfront road will provide a safe, efficient, and seamless travel experience for the public.
