The hum of traffic fades into a dull roar as darkness descends upon the city. Streetlights flicker to life, casting long shadows on the sidewalks. But for a group of construction workers huddled on a narrow road divider near Kalpana Square, the night offers no respite, only a precarious existence on the margins of urban life. Ramesh Nayak, a laborer from the Bhanjanagar area, shared his story that spoke volumes. "We've been living like this since the road was built," he explained, his voice barely audible above the din of passing vehicles. "This divider has become our home. We sleep here, we eat here and we do not give a damn to anyone.”
Ramesh's words echo a harsh truth: Bhubaneswar's rapid urbanization has left many behind, particularly migrant workers who contribute significantly to the city's development but lack access to safe and affordable housing. Forced to live on road dividers, they face a constant threat of accidents, exposure to the elements, and the indignity of living without basic amenities.
The scene unfolds every evening. As the sun sets, workers gather on the divider, sharing stories and meals, their meager belongings piled beside them. Blankets are spread out as makeshift beds, offering little protection from the cold and the constant threat of passing vehicles. The lack of sanitation facilities and access to clean water compounds their vulnerability.
"We have nowhere else to go," says a young woman, clutching her infant child close. "We can't afford rent, and the city shelters are overcrowded and unsafe."
While some well-meaning individuals occasionally distribute blankets, the underlying problem remains unaddressed. The authorities and police seem indifferent to their plight, and the city's development narrative often overlooks the human cost of progress.
This stark reality raises uncomfortable questions about the city's responsibility towards its most vulnerable residents. While Bhubaneswar boasts of its modern infrastructure and economic growth, the sight of families living on road dividers serves as a stark reminder of the deep inequalities that persist.
A night on Bhubaneswar's streets exposed a hidden underbelly of urban poverty and neglect. The plight of these construction workers & labourers highlights the urgent need for affordable shelters and social protection measures. As the city continues to grow and develop, it must prioritize the well-being of all its residents, not just the privileged few. The sight of families seeking shelter on road dividers should serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that true progress cannot be measured solely in concrete and steel, but in the well-being of its people.
