Open utility trenches, exposed cables are life-threatening: Road safety experts

Bhubaneswar: Safety concerns have risen on major city roads with unbarricaded utility trenches and exposed cables continue to dot Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan road and, more recently, Airport Road and Jagamara Road. Commuters complain that digging for utility pipes and electrical or gas pipelines is being carried out right on the carriageway, with the excavated stretches left open for days without any barricades or reflector tapes.
Experts warn that the exposed pits and loose soil, especially on high-speed stretches, pose a serious risk to two-wheelers. Several spots near Xavier Square, Patia Chhak and the stretch between Ekamra College and Airport Road now resemble construction zones. "This is in complete violation of standard road-cutting safety norms. Any trench on a busy road must be barricaded, properly fenced and fitted with reflective tapes," said road safety activist P V Raman, adding that the current situation is an open invitation to accidents. Citizens are also anxious about rising hazards. "At least three places near Jaydev Vihar and Nalco Square were dug up and left unattended. The loose gravel and sudden drops are extremely dangerous for riders," said Lipika Patra, a daily commuter. Authorities, however, admit there are gaps in on-ground monitoring. A senior official of the public works department said the agencies executing utility works were instructed to ensure safety but are failing to comply. "We issued repeated directions to the agencies to barricade the road-cut areas and provide proper warning signage. We will pursue the matter once again with the road-owning authority on priority," said mayor Sulochana Das. Notably, a cooking gas pipe head on the carriageway of the busy Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan Road already added to the inconvenience of commuters. The mayor said that instructions were issued for removal of this pipe head. Das said that, in some stretches, the contractors missed timelines owing to technical issues. "We now direct them to complete refilling and surface restoration immediately," the mayor said. Commuters say the situation worsens after dusk due to inadequate lighting. "You cannot see the pits unless you are very close. A slip or skid can be deadly," said Raj Kishore Nayak, a private employee.While the city continues to push for improved underground infrastructure, experts stress that hasty execution without basic safety measures negates the purpose. The absence of barricades, caution boards and reflective tapes remains the biggest concern.