The recent hoarding collapse in Mumbai that claimed 17 lives, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a comprehensive drive to remove unauthorised hoardings from both sides of national highways in Odisha. The initiative, spearheaded by NHAI’s Bhubaneswar Project Director, K Nageswara Rao, aims to eliminate safety hazards and enhance commuter experience along the highways.
The 16-kilometre stretch from Bamphakuda to Jagatpur on NH-16, falling under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) jurisdiction, has seen a proliferation of large and small hoardings. Despite prior efforts to dismantle these illegal structures, numerous hoardings persist, obstructing views and contributing to traffic congestion. These range from commercial and political advertisements to smaller shopkeepers’ signs cluttering the roadsides.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clear guidelines prohibiting any commercial advertising visible to highway users. However, enforcement has lagged, leading to a landscape dotted with unauthorised hoardings. Last year, NHAI identified over 50 illegal hoardings between Phulanakhara and Jagatpur, but due to inadequate execution plans, many still stand, posing significant risks to road users. Rao underscored that these hoardings, positioned within NHAI’s right of way (RoW), are perilous, particularly during adverse weather conditions, as they are prone to collapse, endangering commuters. In response, NHAI officials have secured a commitment from CMC to jointly inspect and remove these structures expeditiously.
Furthermore, Veerendra Singh, Chief General Manager of NHAI Odisha Circle, has instructed all zonal heads to ensure the prompt removal of illegal hoardings within their respective jurisdictions. This initiative is not confined to NH-16 but extends across all national highways in the state, reflecting a broader commitment to road safety and compliance with national regulations.
The concerted effort by NHAI to clear encroachments marks a significant step towards safer and more navigable highways in Odisha. By addressing these encroachments, NHAI aims to mitigate risks and improve the overall driving experience, prioritising the welfare of road users.
