Bhubvaneswar: The vacant space under the 562-metre Rajmahal flyover in Bhubaneswar is set to be converted into an organised parking facility, a move intended to ease the persistent shortage of parking spots along the busy stretch between AG Square and Kalpana Square.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority has completed the tender process for a Rs 1.53 crore project floated in August and expects work to begin shortly, according to Executive Engineer Himanshu Jena. Alongside structured parking, the redeveloped underpass will feature public seating and ornamental landscaping to enhance the area’s visual appeal. The new layout is expected to significantly ease traffic bottlenecks near major commercial hubs, including the Unit-1 and Unit-2 markets, Rajmahal Square, Ashok Nagar Market, AG Square, and Kalpana Square.
The initiative addresses long-standing complaints about the neglected underpass, which has become a dumping ground for waste, creating foul odours and unhygienic conditions. Local residents and social media users have repeatedly highlighted the problem, with posts on X showing piles of garbage under the structure and describing it as an eyesore in the heart of the city.
Reports also indicate that the poorly supervised space has attracted gatherings of people consuming liquor, particularly after evening hours, raising safety concerns.
Authorities believe the new facility will not only expand parking capacity along Janpath, one of Bhubaneswar’s key urban arteries, but also eliminate these public nuisances and enhance cleanliness, safety and its visual appeal, turning a neglected space into a functional public asset.
