Torrential rains caused havoc on the Dumuripadar bridge near Laxmipur police station today, as floodwaters surged over the structure, stranding numerous vehicles, including passenger buses, a state cabinet minister’s car, and an ambulance.
The deluge on National Highway 326 brought traffic to a standstill, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges in the region.
Local residents stepped in to assist, successfully rescuing the stranded ambulance. Meanwhile, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Minister for Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, returning from an event in Koraput, found himself stuck in the gridlock. The minister’s escort team eventually cleared a path, allowing his vehicle to pass and restoring normal traffic flow. However, the incident has sparked public outrage over the lack of attention to road safety and infrastructure maintenance along NH-326.
The ongoing railway bridge construction work on this stretch has been a persistent issue, with locals and commuters pointing to the negligence of the contracting company and departmental authorities. Despite repeated complaints about poor road conditions and safety hazards, little action has been taken. Similar incidents, including head-on collisions between buses and trucks, have plagued this highway in the past, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
Public demand is growing for the administration and the railway department to address these recurring issues urgently. Calls for stricter monitoring of construction activities and improved safety measures for commuters are echoing across the region, as residents urge authorities to prevent such disruptions in the future.
