Gudari: The entry road to Gudari town in Rayagada district has become a danger zone. The stretch from the Bansadhara River Bridge to Badiguda Square, which is less than 1 km long, has deteriorated into a death trap.
This road serves as the main entry point to Gudari town, and students use it daily to reach schools and colleges. Additionally, people from four panchayats across the river depend on Gudari for their daily needs. Every day, buses, trucks, and ambulances travel through this road.
With the arrival of the monsoon season, the road has become waterlogged and muddy, making it extremely difficult to walk or drive, causing immense trouble to commuters. The open sides of the road increase the chances of fatal accidents, and drivers face severe challenges, especially when vehicles approach from the opposite direction. Slippery mud has caused frequent accidents on this stretch.
This road was previously under the RWD (Rural Works Department). Reports state that a letter (No. 945/16, dated 9.1.2014) was sent to the Executive Engineer (AEC) requesting its repair. Though a temporary patchwork was done in April by the AEC on the occasion of the Ma Thakurani Ghat festival, the road has deteriorated again due to rain.
The local youth group “Youth for Change” raised this issue twice during the public grievance hearing held at the local block office with the District Collector. Although they received an assurance of immediate repair, no visible improvement has been made so far.
A local youth had also filed an online complaint with the Chief Minister’s Office, highlighting the road’s poor condition. In response, the CM’s office instructed the Rayagada District Collector to take action. The Collector then directed the Gudari NAC to take steps.
The Executive Engineer (AEC) has submitted proposal No. 828/20, dated 18.6.2025, to the State Housing and Urban Development Department requesting approval for the road repair. The proposal seeks ₹3.39 crore for the road’s restoration.
Speaking to Executive Officer Prasanna Kumar Padhi, he confirmed that a letter has been sent to the government for necessary approval and that permanent repair work along with guard walls on both sides will begin once funds are sanctioned.
In the meantime, CPI (ML) leader Brundaban Bidika stated that protests may be launched if the road is not repaired immediately. The intellectual community and local residents have also urged the administration to act swiftly, keeping in mind the safety and welfare of the Gudari public.