Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to grant the necessary administrative and financial approvals for three key highway infrastructure proposals in Odisha.

In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan sought the upgradation of the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack National Highway corridor from four lanes to six lanes, along with the construction of two-lane service roads on both sides. He highlighted the growing volume of passenger, freight, mining and industrial traffic along the corridor, which connects western Odisha with major industrial, commercial and urban centres.

Pradhan also sought approval for the construction of four underpasses on the Angul-Sambalpur stretch of NH-55 at Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jeranga and Charmal. According to the MP, the proposals were made by PIU Sambalpur as long-term road safety measures, considering the heavy movement of mining and commercial vehicles and their interaction with local traffic and pedestrians.

The third proposal involves the construction of a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53. Pradhan pointed out that railway passengers are required to cross the busy highway, creating a potential safety risk. The location has also been identified as a potential 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 a priority basis.

He said the proposed projects would enhance road safety, improve the movement of passengers and freight, reduce traffic-related difficulties and strengthen connectivity across the region.

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