Gate Bazaar Flyover Faces Technical Audit Amid Quality and Safety Concerns
News Odishabarta
Brahmapur, Sept. 30 : The Odisha Works Department has ordered a special technical audit of the under-construction Gate Bazaar flyover in Berhampur following concerns raised over construction quality, safety, delays and the adequacy of the proposed structure.
The decision followed a written representation by Berhampur Lok Sabha MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging an independent assessment of the quality and safety standards being followed in the project.
Quality Control Team to Inspect Structure
Acting on the concerns raised, the Works Department has directed its Quality Control team to conduct a detailed technical inspection of the ongoing construction. The team is examining the work and is expected to assess construction quality, materials and other technical and safety parameters before submitting a report to the department.
According to the concerns cited in the representation, questions have been raised over the quality and grade of concrete and other raw materials being used in the project. The MP has sought verification of whether the construction conforms to the prescribed technical specifications and safety standards.
The inspection is also understood to include technical testing, including non-destructive testing (NDT), wherever considered necessary by the inspecting team.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
Panigrahy has also referred to the 2017 Bomikhal flyover collapse in Bhubaneswar while urging the authorities to maintain strict quality-control and safety standards during construction.
The reference to the earlier incident has heightened the focus on structural safety, although the outcome of the present technical inspection will determine whether any deficiency exists in the Gate Bazaar project.
Delays and Traffic Disruption
Apart from construction quality, prolonged execution of the project has also become a concern for commuters, residents and traders in the area.
The ongoing work near one of Berhampur’s busiest junctions has contributed to traffic congestion, dust pollution and disruption to local business activity. The MP has urged the authorities to address these difficulties while ensuring that construction is not compromised in the interest of speed.
The Works Department has reportedly reviewed the progress of the project and directed the implementing agencies to complete the pending work within the stipulated timeframe, with March 2027 set as the target for completion of the remaining work.
Design Capacity Also Under Scrutiny
Concerns have additionally been raised by local stakeholders regarding whether the proposed design and width of the flyover will adequately accommodate future traffic volumes.
This issue, too, is expected to form part of the broader technical assessment, particularly in view of the increasing traffic pressure on the Gate Bazaar corridor.
Earlier Concerns Over Haladiapadar Flyover
The latest development comes against the backdrop of concerns previously raised by the Berhampur MP regarding the design and safety of the already operational Haladiapadar flyover, particularly following recurring road accidents in the area.
With the Gate Bazaar flyover now under technical scrutiny, attention has shifted to the findings of the Works Department’s Quality Control team.
The final inspection report is expected to provide a technical assessment of the construction quality and identify any deficiencies, if found. Further action, if warranted, will depend on the findings and recommendations of the department’s inspection team.
