Bhubaneswar, 06 October (H.S.): Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday wrote to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, seeking urgent interventions to strengthen highway infrastructure in Sambalpur and adjoining areas, improve traffic movement and enhance road safety.

Pradhan urged Gadkari to consider six-laning of the Sambalpur-Cuttack NH-55 corridor along with two-lane service roads on both sides, besides construction of four underpasses and a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Junction.

In his letter, Pradhan said the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor is a critical highway connecting western Odisha with the state’s major industrial, commercial and urban centres. With passenger, freight and industrial traffic increasing steadily along the corridor, he sought expansion of the existing four-lane highway to six lanes, along with two-lane service roads on either side.

He said the proposed expansion would facilitate smoother movement of local traffic and help reduce road accidents.

Pradhan also sought immediate administrative and financial approval for construction of four underpasses at Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jerang and Charamal on the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55. He said the movement of mineral and commercial vehicles on the stretch has increased the risk of accidents involving local residents and pedestrians.

The four underpasses have reportedly been proposed by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Sambalpur, with road safety being a key consideration.

Besides, Pradhan requested approval for construction of a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Junction on NH-53. A large number of railway passengers cross the highway at the location every day, creating traffic-related difficulties and safety concerns. The junction has also been identified as a potential black spot.

He urged the Union Minister to expedite approval of the flyover proposal and initiate construction to ensure safer movement of commuters and railway passengers.

Pradhan further requested Gadkari to direct officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to accord priority to the proposed measures.

He expressed hope that timely implementation of these infrastructure projects would improve connectivity, strengthen road safety and give further impetus to industrial and economic development in Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda