In a significant move aimed at saving lives, the Odisha government is set to create a dedicated and barricaded lane exclusively for ambulances on the heavily congested stretch from Khandagiri to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This initiative comes as a direct response to the critical delays faced by emergency vehicles stuck in routine traffic, where every lost minute can impact patient survival.
Government and NHAI Collaborate on Emergency Corridor
State Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced the plan on Thursday, revealing that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had formally requested action on this issue. "We are sending a request letter for creating a dedicated lane for the ambulances travelling to AIIMS Bhubaneswar," Harichandan stated. He confirmed that the regional officer of NHAI has already given consent to the proposal.
The planned solution involves redesigning the road from Khandagiri Square to AIIMS Bhubaneswar to feature three lanes. One of these lanes will be solely reserved for ambulance travel. To ensure its effectiveness, this dedicated lane will be physically barricaded to prevent other vehicles from entering and obstructing the path of an approaching ambulance.
Medical Superintendent Highlights Urgent Need
The push for this emergency corridor was strongly advocated by AIIMS Bhubaneswar Medical Superintendent, Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida. He had explicitly requested both the state government and NHAI authorities to implement measures ensuring ambulances reach the premier hospital without being trapped in traffic jams.
Dr. Parida provided a detailed suggestion, proposing a dedicated lane from Patrapada to Welcome Hotel for ambulances arriving from the Khurda side. Similarly, he recommended a dedicated lane from the Khandagiri side to AIIMS Bhubaneswar Square alongside the National Highway. He underscored the life-and-death urgency, stating, "Each minute is important for a patient. If an ambulance is stuck for more than 10 or 15 minutes, the patient will suffer." Currently, ambulances often get stuck on the service roads of the NH, causing dangerous delays.
Broader Infrastructure Development Proposed
Looking beyond the immediate lane, Dr. Parida also suggested a longer-term infrastructure upgrade. He proposed expanding the existing four-lane road from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Aiginia Alu Gadi Square into a six-lane road, with one lane permanently dedicated to ambulances.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for comprehensive development around Aignia Alugadi Square to decongest the hospital vicinity. His recommendations include:
- Removal of illegal encroachments.
- Beautification of the area.
- Construction of public conveniences and washrooms.
- Development of organized parking and vending zones.
This holistic approach aims not only to create a green corridor for emergencies but also to improve overall traffic management and public amenities around the crucial healthcare hub. The plan, once implemented, is expected to drastically reduce emergency response times for patients heading to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
