Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], October 6 (ANI): Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking urgent intervention for key National Highway infrastructure and road-safety projects in his constituency and adjoining regions of Odisha.

In his letter, Pradhan highlighted the need to strengthen regional connectivity and improve road safety in view of the rapid industrial and economic growth of western Odisha and increasing traffic movement across the region.

Among the key proposals raised by the Sambalpur MP is the upgradation of the existing four-lane Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor to six lanes. He has also sought the construction of two-lane service roads on both sides of the highway to facilitate local traffic movement and improve connectivity for communities residing along the corridor.

Pradhan has further sought priority approval for four underpasses proposed by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Sambalpur, on NH-55 at Jindal Road, Jarapada, Jeranga and Charmal.

The proposed underpasses are aimed at addressing road-safety concerns arising from the movement of heavy commercial and mining traffic along the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55. The highway is also used by local commuters and pedestrians, making dedicated crossing infrastructure important for improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

The Sambalpur MP also highlighted the need for a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53, identifying the location as a major road-safety concern.

Pradhan pointed out that railway passengers frequently have to cross the busy highway at grade, exposing pedestrians to risks amid regular vehicular movement. He has sought expedited sanction and construction of the proposed flyover to improve safety at the location and facilitate smoother movement of traffic.

The MP has requested Gadkari to direct officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to provide prompt administrative and financial approvals for the proposed projects.

The proposed interventions are aimed at improving connectivity between western Odisha and major commercial and industrial centres, while addressing road-safety concerns on some of the region's busiest highway stretches.

Pradhan's proposals come amid increasing traffic movement linked to industrial, commercial and mining activity in the Sambalpur-Angul region, making highway capacity enhancement and dedicated infrastructure for local traffic and pedestrians a key requirement. (ANI)