Dharmendra Pradhan Seeks Major Odisha Highway Upgrades
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Nitin Gadkari to approve six-laning of NH-55 and a new flyover in Odisha to boost safety and connectivity.
In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity and road safety, Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has formally approached Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, requesting urgent intervention for critical infrastructure projects in Odisha. The proposal focuses on expanding highway capacities and constructing vital structures to manage the surging traffic in western Odisha.
Expanding the Sambalpur-Cuttack Corridor
As western Odisha experiences rapid industrial and economic expansion, the existing road networks are facing immense pressure. To address this, Pradhan has proposed the upgradation of the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor from its current four-lane configuration to a six-lane highway.
Recognizing the needs of local residents, the MP also emphasized the necessity of constructing two-lane service roads on both sides of this highway. These service roads are intended to:
- Facilitate smoother movement for local community traffic.
- Improve connectivity for villages and settlements residing along the corridor.
- Separate local commuters from high-speed long-distance traffic.
Prioritizing Safety on NH-55
The heavy movement of mining and commercial vehicles along the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55 has raised serious safety concerns. To mitigate the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and local commuters, Pradhan has sought priority approval for four specific underpasses proposed by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Sambalpur.
The proposed underpasses are slated for the following locations on NH-55:
- Jindal Road
- Jarapada
- Jeranga
- Charmal
These structures are designed to provide dedicated crossing points, ensuring that the intense flow of heavy machinery and commercial trucks does not endanger the lives of local pedestrians and motorists.
New Flyover for Sambalpur City
Another major highlight of the proposal is the urgent need for a flyover at the Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53. Pradhan identified this specific junction as a major road safety hazard.
Currently, railway passengers are frequently forced to cross a high-traffic highway at grade level. This dangerous practice exposes pedestrians to constant vehicular movement. The proposed flyover aims to:
- Provide a safe passage for railway passengers.
- Reduce congestion at the station square.
- Ensure a continuous and smooth flow of traffic on NH-53.
The Sambalpur MP has requested that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expedite the administrative and financial approvals required to bring these transformative projects to life.