Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, appealing for immediate personal intervention to repair the deteriorating National Highway 55.
A vital transport and logistics corridor linking Sambalpur, Anugola, and Kataka, the highway connects western Odisha with the coastal region, facilitating the movement of essential goods and regular commuters.
The MP noted that continuous heavy rainfall combined with relentless traffic movement has caused large potholes and damaged stretches along the road. The situation has grown severe during the monsoon season, as waterlogging conceals deep potholes, significantly heightening the risk of road accidents and halting traffic flow for passenger and goods vehicles alike.
The appeal comes amid widespread concern over the construction quality of the ₹1,800-crore Sambalpur–Kataka National Highway-55 expansion, following recent incidents of partial road and flyover cave-in. A major accident was narrowly averted in June after a crack was spotted on a newly-commissioned flyover above an elephant underpass. Viral photos of the damage have fuelled widespread public alarm over the road’s safety, especially since a section of the highway near Pradhanpali Chhak collapsed in May.
Taking to social media to share his appeal, Dharmendra wrote: “I have written a letter to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. @nitin_gadkari, requesting immediate maintenance and repair of National Highway 55, which connects Sambalpur, Anugola, and Kataka. Due to continuous rain and heavy vehicle traffic, large potholes have formed at various places along the highway, causing severe difficulties for the movement of passengers and goods vehicles. I trust that you will take immediate steps for the safe and secure travel of the general public.”
Calling on authorities to carry out prompt repair work to restore the road, He emphasised that swift action would ensure safe, reliable travel for the public across the region.
