BJP MPs raise concerns over slow pace of infrastructure projects in Odisha

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. File | Photo Credit: ANI

Three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MPs in Odisha have raised serious concerns over the slow pace of infrastructure projects in their constituencies and the poor quality of construction, putting the Mohan Charan Majhi government in an uncomfortable position.

In separate letters addressed to the Odisha CM and Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, they drew attention on slow moving projects seeking his intervention.

Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, Berhampur MP, was particularly scathing in his observation likening Gate Bazar flyover construction in Berhampur with previous Biju Janata Dal’s projects which were under scrutiny for poor construction.

“Serious doubts have been raised regarding the quality and grade of raw materials being used, posing a grave threat to the long-term structural stability of the flyover. The project has faced continuous delays, creating severe traffic bottlenecks, dust pollution, and business losses for local shopkeepers and residents,” said Mr. Panigrahy in his letter.

“Most alarmingly, the visible lack of quality control and oversight has created palpable fear among the citizens of Berhampur. People are openly recalling past tragic incidents in Odisha-such as the collapse of the under-construction Bomikhal flyover in Bhubaneswar, where poor quality standards and negligence led to the loss of precious lives. The public is deeply anxious that a similar catastrophe could occur if these lapses are ignored at Gate Bazaar,” he pointed out.

In a letter to Works Secretary Sanjay Singh, Balabhadra Majhi, Lok Sabha MP from Nabrangpur, urged strict action and inquiry over extreme delay in construction of Nabarangpur bypass road.

“The tender for construction of Nabrangpur bypass road was awarded on December 2, 2024 with stipulated completion period of 24 months (scheduled date December 1, 2026). However, despite 21 months having elapsed since the commencement, physical progress is about 10%,” he wrote.

Bolangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo expressed her concerns over ability of State-run Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC) with regards to strengthening and widening of existing two-lane road to four lane on Sambalpur-Sonepur road in Subarnapur district, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹680 crore.

“The execution of project was entrusted to OBCC. However, it is  observed with concern that there has been no visible progress on the ground and the executing agency has not demonstrated adequate commitment towards timely completion in view of the delay. I request that the work may kindly be reassigned to the Roads and Building Division, Sonepur for better monitoring and timely completion,” Ms. Singh mentioned in her letter.

Earlier, Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag had written to Odisha CM expressing his resentment over disregard to proposals of welfare projects in his constituency.

While The BJP leaders termed these letters routine, political observers said it would damage image of present government as people started comparing the pace of development with that of previous Naveen Patnaik Government.

“The previous government under Mr Patnaik had caught public imagination with big projects with wide and quality road network across the State. Within last two years, condition of roads has deteriorated. When its own MPs raise concerns over sluggish pace of development, it validated people’s concerns,” said Pradeep Mohanty, a Bhubaneswar-based political analyst.

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