By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI:Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today wrote to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari regarding the development of National Highway infrastructure in Sambalpur parliamentary constituency and surrounding areas, ease of movement and road safety. In order to strengthen the growing industrial, mining and economic activities in Sambalpur and its adjoining areas, Shri Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways for the 6-lane widening of Sambalpur-Cuttack NH-55 and 4 underpasses and a flyover in Sambalpur.
Shri Pradhan mentioned that Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor is a very important highway connecting western Odisha with major industrial, commercial and urban areas of the state. As the traffic of passengers, goods and industrial vehicles is increasing here, Shri Pradhan requested to widen the existing 4-lane highway to 6-lane and construct two-lane service roads on both sides. This will ease the movement of the locals and reduce accidents.
Secondly, the risk of accidents for the locals and pedestrians is increasing due to the movement of mining and commercial vehicles on the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55. Keeping road safety in mind, he requested the PIU Sambalpur to provide immediate administrative and financial sanction for the construction of four underpasses at Jindal Road, Jarpada, Jerang and Charmal as proposed by him.
Apart from this, a large number of railway passengers cross the National Highway at Sambalpur City Railway Station intersection on NH-53 every day, which creates traffic problems and has been identified as a potential ‘black spot’. Shri Pradhan requested for early approval and commencement of work on the proposal for construction of a flyover at this location for safe movement of people.
Shri Pradhan expressed hope that if these proposals are implemented on a priority basis, the industrial and economic development of Odisha can be further accelerated by directing the concerned officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and NHAI.
