A 12‑hour bandh brought Birmitrapur town in Odisha’s Sundaragada district to a standstill on Tuesday as residents and political groups demanded immediate repair of National Highway‑143, which has deteriorated severely along the stretch passing through the town.
The bandh, called by a joint platform of political parties and the Citizens’ Forum, began at 6 AM and will continue till 6 PM. Protesters blocked NH‑143 at multiple points, including Talsera Square, the New Bus Stand, China Town, and the Jharkhand border, disrupting vehicular movement.
Shops and business establishments remained closed, while heavy goods vehicles from Rourkela to Jharkhand and passenger buses heading to neighbouring areas were stranded. Vehicles travelling from Jharkhand toward Rourkela were stopped near Basajore on the border, causing long queues and inconvenience to commuters.
The agitators are pressing for repair of the three‑kilometre stretch between Talsera Square and the Jharkhand border, which locals say has become hazardous due to large potholes and poor maintenance. The situation worsens during rainfall as water accumulates in the potholes, increasing accident risks.
Residents claim repeated appeals to the National Highways authorities and local administration have gone unanswered, prompting the bandh to demand urgent intervention.
Police personnel have been deployed across Birmitrapur to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful conduct of the protest.
