Bhubaneswar, 14 October (H.S.): Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging the construction of key road infrastructure on National Highway-49 in Deogarh district to address rising traffic congestion and safety concerns.

In his letter, Pradhan highlighted the growing movement of inter-state freight vehicles and local traffic along the highway, which has increased the risk of accidents and created difficulties for commuters. He proposed three major infrastructure interventions to ensure safer and smoother transportation for the people of Deogarh.

Pradhan sought the construction of an elevated flyover at the Y-junction near Ambedkar Chhak, located at the beginning of the Deogarh bypass. The junction witnesses heavy and fast-moving traffic, while the presence of key institutions, including the Collectorate, the new bus stand and the Women’s College, generates continuous movement of local commuters.

To reduce congestion and prevent accidents, he stressed the need for a flyover supported by a dedicated service road and adequate highway lighting.

He also called for the construction of an underpass and properly designed slip roads at Birsa Munda Chhak, near the town’s outskirts, where State Highway-21, connecting Deogarh and Angul, meets NH-49. The convergence of high-speed highway traffic and local vehicles at the junction has led to serious accident risks, raising concerns about the possibility of major collisions.

Pradhan emphasised that suitable traffic infrastructure at the junction was essential to eliminate dangerous conflict points and ensure safer movement for commuters.

Highlighting the impact of rapid urbanisation, the Sambalpur MP also expressed concern over the growing residential population in areas such as Kala, Kandhal and Tileibani. The increase in local pedestrian and vehicular movement along the highway has heightened safety concerns for residents.

He underlined the need to construct service roads along these stretches to separate local traffic from high-speed highway movement. The proposed infrastructure should also include roadside drainage, dedicated guardrails for pedestrian safety and adequate highway lighting.

In view of these urgent road safety requirements, Pradhan urged Gadkari to personally examine the proposals and direct the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to grant the necessary approvals on a priority basis in the larger interest of the people of Deogarh.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda