Jeypore,25th Aug 2025: The ambitious redevelopment and expansion of MG Road has been left half-finished, causing widespread inconvenience for local residents and traders. Nearly a year after encroachment evictions were carried out by the municipality, construction of drains and roadways has failed to progress as promised.
During the eviction drive, several commercial establishments, residential houses, and even temples were demolished to clear space for road expansion. However, while authorities acted swiftly in removing encroachments, the same urgency has not been shown in executing construction works. As a result, locals are grappling with dust, smoke, and mud-filled roads, especially during the ongoing rains.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is in charge of the MG Road project. Though tenders have been completed, road construction has not yet started, while drain work is progressing at a snail’s pace. The stipulated deadline for completion has already passed, yet the work remains incomplete.
Traders say their businesses have dropped drastically. According to Mr. Srinivas, who earlier earned ₹4,000–₹5,000 daily, sales have now fallen to around ₹1,500 due to the disruption. Another shop owner, Mr. Mohan Rao, said business has declined by nearly 60% as customers avoid the muddy, uneven road. Elderly customers and women are particularly deterred, as they must climb temporary bamboo planks to access shops.
On the other hand, the contractor has blamed continuous rains and pending bill payments for the delays. PWD Executive Engineer Ashok Behera assured that once rains subside, road-laying work will be expedited. Meanwhile, shifting of electricity poles has also been stalled, despite repeated letters to the electricity department. The Public Health Engineering Department has begun laying new pipelines for drinking water supply, according to Junior Engineer Subrata Singh.
The encroachment clearance for MG Road expansion was conducted on 14 November 2024, with many property owners voluntarily demolishing their structures. PWD issued tenders on 21 November 2024, and drain construction began on 17 March 2025. The project includes redevelopment of a 1.307 km stretch from Welcome Junction to Gandhi Square, with a planned road width of 40 feet. In areas with additional space, 7-meter-wide blacktop will be followed by paver blocks.
Deputy Collector Akabhrama Sashya Reddy has directed the PWD to speed up construction work without further delay.
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