Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to grant administrative and financial approval for three key highway infrastructure projects in Odisha.
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In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan sought the six-laning of the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack National Highway corridor, along with the construction of two-lane service roads on either side.
The MP highlighted the growing volume of passenger and freight traffic on the corridor, which serves as a vital link between western Odisha and major industrial, commercial and urban centres.
Four Underpasses Proposed on NH-55
Pradhan also requested approval for four underpasses along the Angul-Sambalpur stretch of NH-55 at Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jeranga and Charmal.
According to Pradhan, the proposals have been prepared by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Sambalpur, as long-term measures to improve road safety.
The stretch witnesses substantial movement of mining and commercial vehicles, increasing the risk of conflicts between heavy traffic, local commuters and pedestrians, he said.
Flyover Sought at Sambalpur Railway Station Square
The Sambalpur MP further sought the construction of a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53.
He pointed out that passengers using the railway station are required to cross the busy highway, creating a significant safety concern. The location has also been identified as a potential accident black spot, according to his letter.
Pradhan urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to consider all three proposals on priority.
He said timely implementation of the projects would help improve road safety, reduce traffic-related bottlenecks, facilitate the movement of passengers and goods, and strengthen connectivity across the region.