RTI exposes ghost road project in Kendrapara
A ghost road project has been exposed in Kendrapara after shocking revelations from an RTI. Despite Rs 6.18 crore being sanctioned, no road construction has been carried out. The irregularity has left villagers questioning transparency under the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana.
Records obtained under the Right to Information Act show the road project as “completed.” However, villagers allege that no work has been executed on the ground. Instead, only a signboard has been displayed, leaving the road unchanged and in poor condition.
The ghost road project has now become a major concern in Pattamundai block. Residents feel betrayed as the funds have been drained without any visible development. The case has highlighted serious lapses in governance and accountability.
Rs 6.18 crore sanctioned for Kendrapara road
The RTI revealed that Rs 6.18 crore was sanctioned for the road in March 2024. The proposed road was to connect Malipur with Balabhadrapur via Raghapur, Damarapur, and Balipatna. The sanctioned length of the project was 6.1 kilometres.
The tender for the construction was issued by the Rural Development Department. The project was awarded on March 15, 2024, and the deadline was set for December 14, 2024. However, as per RTI records, the work is already marked as “completed.”
The contradiction between official records and ground reality has angered locals. Villagers claim not even a single stretch of the road has been built. Instead, broken and muddy pathways continue to be their only mode of commute.
Villagers allege no work despite funds
Residents of at least five panchayats have alleged that not a single layer of soil was laid. According to them, officials and contractors colluded to siphon off funds under the scheme. Villagers said the same old broken road continues to cause daily suffering.
“We were hopeful that the road would benefit 15,000 to 20,000 people. But no work has been done here,” alleged villager Asish Mallick. His concern reflects the disappointment shared by thousands in the region.
Another resident, Ramakant Dash, expressed shock at the contradiction. “The RTI data shows the road is complete, and the bill is sanctioned. But there is no sign of any new road,” he alleged. Such testimonies have intensified demands for immediate inquiry.
Activists raise alarm over ghost road
RTI activists have raised serious questions over the ghost road project. Prashant Mohanty, an activist, pointed out the misleading records. “As per the RTI, the road should start from Malipur to Balabhadrapur. But there is no sign of construction even today,” he alleged.
The activists believe this case reflects deep-rooted corruption in rural infrastructure projects. They have demanded strict accountability and punishment for those involved. The ghost road has now become a symbol of systemic negligence.
Villagers and activists together are urging state authorities to take decisive action. Their concern lies not just with one road but with the misuse of public funds. They fear other projects could also be ghost work if no investigation is done.
The lives of villagers remain affected
The absence of the road has left villagers in distress. Daily commute to schools, markets, and hospitals has become a struggle. Broken paths continue to slow down transport and emergency services.
During rains, the road turns muddy and unsafe for travel. Farmers find it difficult to transport agricultural produce to markets. Patients face delays in reaching health centres due to the deplorable condition.
The promised road was expected to ease travel for thousands of people. Instead, the ghost road project has kept villagers trapped in hardships. Their hope for better connectivity has been replaced by frustration.
Collector orders probe into road project
The Kendrapara district administration has taken note of the allegations. Collector Raghuram R. Iyer assured villagers that a probe would be conducted. “I will hold a detailed review with the concerned departments, and necessary action will be taken,” he stated.
Officials from the Rural Development Department are expected to be questioned regarding the ghost road project. The Collector’s assurance has offered some relief to villagers demanding justice. However, they remain cautious about the outcome.
Locals have urged for strict monitoring of all sanctioned projects. They have demanded transparency in funds utilisation and regular inspection by higher authorities. The ghost road case is now expected to test the credibility of local governance.
Demand for accountability in Kendrapara
The ghost road project in Kendrapara has raised demand for strict accountability. Citizens believe that public money must not be wasted through fraudulent practices. They have called for vigilance to ensure genuine development.
Activists have also urged the state government to strengthen audit mechanisms. Independent reviews of infrastructure projects have been demanded to prevent future irregularities. The exposure of this project has highlighted the importance of citizen vigilance.
If action is not taken, villagers fear that such scams will continue. The ghost road project has become a wake-up call for Odisha’s governance system. People expect strict measures against corruption in development works.
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