Sambalpur, Odisha – June 1, 2025:
Residents of Sambalpur have expressed growing frustration over the repeated closure of the Church Chowk to Kacheri Chowk flyover during major festivals, including the recently concluded Sital Sasthi. The move by the district administration, aimed at crowd management and security, has led to severe traffic congestion in the city, raising questions about urban planning and the effective use of public infrastructure.
While the flyover remains underutilized on normal days, it becomes a crucial alternative route during festival times, when the city witnesses an influx of thousands of visitors and massive processions pass through the main roads. Ironically, it is during these times of need that the flyover is shut down, causing long tailbacks and significant inconvenience for commuters and emergency services alike.
Local residents and commuters argue that instead of easing traffic, the closure of the flyover has worsened the situation, with major bottlenecks reported in areas like Golebazar, Laxmi Talkies, and Jail Chowk. School buses, ambulances, and public transport vehicles were among those stuck in traffic for extended periods during peak festival hours.
“The flyover is meant to reduce traffic congestion, especially during big events. But every time there’s a festival, it’s the first road to be blocked. This defeats its entire purpose.”
Sources within the district administration say the closure is a precautionary measure to avoid crowd build-up or potential security risks. However, urban planners and civic groups are urging a re-evaluation of this approach, suggesting better policing and crowd control measures instead of total closure of vital roads.
Civic activists have also pointed out that crores of rupees were spent on constructing the flyover to improve urban mobility, and its frequent closure during critical times is a misuse of public resources.
As Sambalpur continues to grow and host major cultural festivals like Sital Sasthi, Hanuman Jayanty, Ramdan and Durga Puja, citizens are calling for smarter traffic management strategies and better planning that prioritizes public convenience without compromising safety.
Unless corrective measures are taken soon, the flyover may continue to remain a “white elephant” — underused on normal days and off-limits when it is needed the most.
