The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda, one of the primary gateways to Odisha’s capital, is currently presenting a stark and frustrating contrast to thousands of daily commuters.
While the interior of the interstate terminal boasts world-class amenities and spotless maintenance, the exterior approach roads are entirely dilapidated, completely covered in massive potholes and slush.
Recently praised by Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra for its impeccable cleanliness and modern infrastructure, the terminal’s glittering image quickly fades the moment passengers step outside. The entry and exit points, along with the adjacent service roads, have deteriorated into a treacherous stretch of muddy, stagnant water and deep craters. Commuters are forced to navigate through a foul-smelling swamp, making even walking a daunting task.
The blatant neglect has sparked widespread resentment among the public on social media, with citizens directly questioning the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), which oversees the terminal’s maintenance, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for the service roads. Despite heavy buses and commercial vehicles plying these routes daily, road repair work remains nonexistent. Commuters are left asking if Bhubaneswar’s “Smart City” development is restricted only to blueprints and isolated showpieces.
As a vital transit hub connecting districts across Odisha and neighboring states, Baramunda sees thousands of passengers daily. With the festive season approaching, this number is expected to surge exponentially. The public is now raising urgent concerns over whether these roads will be fully repaired before the holiday rush begins.
A failure to act promptly will not only amplify commuter suffering and the risk of accidents but also severely tarnish the capital city’s image. Citizens are demanding that the authorities immediately utilize public funds to ensure the exterior environment matches the terminal’s pristine interior.
Waterlogging Plagues Satsang Vihar Underpass
Compounding the city’s infrastructure woes, the NH-16 underpass near Satsang Vihar has become severely waterlogged, drastically affecting traffic movement. Knee-deep rainwater has stagnated in the underpass, creating massive hurdles for commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders.
The stagnant water has elevated the risk of accidents, forcing vehicles to navigate the submerged stretch blindly. Frustrated locals and daily commuters are urgently demanding an immediate drainage solution, permanent repairs to the underpass, and a sustainable water management system to prevent future pooling.
