Bhubaneswar, Dec 30: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur Member of Parliament Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari to initiate the construction of a bypass road around Rairakhol town in Sambalpur district to address growing traffic congestion and ensure safer commuting for residents.

In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan referred to a detailed representation submitted by the people of Rairakhol, which has received support from the local Bar Association, Truck Owners Association, Senior Citizen Forum and journalists. The residents have demanded a bypass road outside the town limits to divert highway traffic and reduce pressure on internal roads.

Highlighting the issue, Pradhan stated that National Highway-55 is among the busiest highways in the region and that Rairakhol has witnessed rapid infrastructural and institutional growth in recent years. He pointed out that key government offices, including the Sub-Divisional Office and Sub-Divisional Hospital, as well as educational institutions such as Bhima Bhoi Degree College, attract large numbers of people daily.

The movement of heavy vehicles through narrow town roads not designed for highway traffic has led to frequent traffic jams and heightened risks of road accidents. Emphasising public safety and convenience, Pradhan sought Gadkari’s personal intervention and requested necessary directions for the early construction of the bypass road.

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