Sambalpur Member of Parliament Dharmendra Pradhan has written a formal letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, pressing for critical infrastructure upgrades across his parliamentary constituency and neighbouring regions.
Highlighting the imperative need for enhanced regional connectivity, road safety, and frictionless industrial logistics, Pradhan has proposed three major projects.
1. Upgradation of Sambalpur-Kataka National Highway (NH-55) to 6-Lane:
The Sambalpur-Anugola-Kataka corridor serves as a vital arterial link connecting Western Odisha with the state’s major industrial, commercial, and urban centres. Given the exponential growth in passenger, freight, mining, and industrial traffic, the MP has requested the conversion of the existing 4-lane corridor into a robust 6-lane highway, complete with two-lane service roads on both sides. This expansion aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and accelerate economic activities in the region.
2. Construction of Four Underpasses on NH-55 (Angul-Sambalpur Section):
Citing grave safety concerns due to the heavy movement of commercial and mining vehicles alongside local commuters and pedestrians, Pradhan urged administrative and financial approvals for four crucial underpasses. Proposed by PIU Sambalpur as long-term safety interventions, these underpasses are planned at Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jeranga, and Charmal.
3. Flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53:
The Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53 has emerged as a high-risk accident zone, or ‘black spot,’ where numerous railway passengers routinely navigate the busy highway at grade. Emphasising commuter safety, the MP requested the expedited sanction and commencement of a flyover at this crucial junction.
Concluding his representation, Pradhan urged the Ministry and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to prioritise these developments to reinforce Odisha’s evolving infrastructure potential.
