Pradhan Seeks Faster Highway Expansion, Safety Projects

Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to fast-track three key highway projects in Sambalpur and nearby areas.
Pradhan has sought the widening of the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack stretch of NH-55 from four to six lanes, along with two-lane service roads on both sides. He said rising passenger, freight, mining and industrial traffic has made the corridor increasingly important for western Odisha.
He also proposed four underpasses on the Angul-Sambalpur section at Indal Road, Jarpada, Jeranga and Charmal, identified by the Sambalpur PIU as long-term road-safety measures.

Another demand is a flyover at Sambalpur City Railway Station Square on NH-53, where heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement creates a major safety risk and the site has been identified as a potential black spot.
Pradhan has asked the Ministry and NHAI to complete the required administrative and financial approvals on priority, saying the projects will improve safety, ease traffic movement and strengthen connectivity for Odisha’s industrial and economic growth.