Bhawanipatna, Odisha : Despite government claims of ensuring last-mile connectivity across Odisha, residents of several remote areas continue to struggle with the absence of motorable roads. In a tragic incident in Kalahandi district, a family and local villagers were forced to carry the body of a man for nearly 8 kilometres after an ambulance could not reach his village.
The incident was reported from Bhatiphas village under Padepadar panchayat in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district.
Man Dies in Hyderabad, Body Brought Back to Odisha
According to local sources, Shiv Majhi, a resident of Bhatiphas village, had travelled to Hyderabad around six months ago to work as a daily-wage labourer.
He reportedly fell ill at his workplace and recently died.
His body was subsequently transported from Hyderabad to Odisha and brought towards his native village. However, the ambulance carrying the body could not proceed beyond Dumuninalla near Dureshpadar village because the road ahead was not suitable for vehicular movement.
Family Forced to Wait Overnight
As it had become late in the evening, Shiv’s family members and other villagers decided to stay near a drain with the body rather than attempt the difficult journey during the night.
The following morning, after sunrise, the villagers arranged a cot and placed Shiv’s body on it.
Family members and local residents then began carrying the body on the cot towards Bhatiphas village, covering a distance of approximately 8 kilometres on foot.
Muddy Road Made Journey Even More Difficult
The journey became particularly difficult because of heavy mud caused by monsoon rains.
According to villagers, the road was so badly damaged at several places that the mud reached almost knee level, making it extremely difficult for the group to move forward while carrying the body.
After a difficult journey, Shiv’s body finally reached Bhatiphas, where his family performed the last rites according to local customs.
Villagers Raise Concerns Over Road Connectivity
Residents of Bhatiphas said that the condition of the road connecting the village becomes extremely poor during the monsoon season.
They said the lack of proper road connectivity creates serious difficulties in transporting patients to hospitals during medical emergencies.
Villagers also claimed that they have been demanding a proper all-weather paved road for a long time, but their concerns have not received adequate attention.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by people living in remote areas where the lack of road connectivity can affect even basic emergency services and the transportation of deceased family members.
BDO Promises Road Construction
Thuamul Rampur Block Development Officer (BDO) Dhruba Charan Muduli said that a road to the village would be constructed after funds are received under a special government scheme.
However, the BDO did not specify the name of the scheme under which the proposed road would be constructed.
Muduli also assured Shiv Majhi’s family that government assistance would be provided to them.
Last-Mile Connectivity Remains a Challenge
The incident has raised fresh questions over the gap between government claims of last-mile connectivity and the ground realities in remote parts of Odisha.
For residents of Bhatiphas and surrounding villages, a motorable road is not merely an infrastructure requirement—it is essential for access to healthcare, emergency transportation and other basic services.
The villagers are now hoping that the administration’s assurance translates into actual road construction and that they will no longer have to undertake such difficult journeys during medical emergencies or other critical situations.
