Dharmendra Pradhan Seeks Gadkari's Intervention For NH-55 Repairs in Odisha

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to take immediate steps to repair and maintain National Highway-55, citing its deteriorating condition and the difficulties faced by commuters and freight operators. In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan highlighted the worsening state of several stretches of the highway and sought prompt intervention to address the problems. The highway is an important transportation route for Odisha and plays a significant role in connecting western parts of the state with its coastal region.

NH-55 connects Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack and serves as a major corridor for passenger movement, freight transportation and the movement of essential commodities. Pradhan pointed out that persistent rainfall during the monsoon, combined with heavy traffic, has contributed to the formation of large potholes and damage across several portions of the road. The deteriorating surface has made travel increasingly difficult for both passenger vehicles and trucks, while also raising concerns about road safety.

The situation has become particularly challenging during periods of heavy rain, when waterlogging can conceal deep potholes and damaged sections from motorists. This increases the possibility of accidents and can slow down traffic along the busy corridor. The poor condition of NH-55 has also affected smooth connectivity between western and coastal Odisha, potentially causing delays for commuters as well as vehicles transporting goods between important commercial centres.

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Pradhan stressed the importance of the Sambalpur-Cuttack stretch and requested Gadkari to direct the authorities concerned to take immediate measures to repair the damaged portions. He said timely maintenance was necessary to improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted movement of people and goods. The appeal comes amid continuing concerns over the condition of the highway, with several locations requiring repairs to deal with potholes and damage that have become more visible during the monsoon.

The condition of NH-55 has also come under scrutiny following the recent appearance of a cavity on the Maneswar-Sindurpank flyover. Repairs on the affected portion were completed days before Pradhan's latest appeal. The incident renewed concerns about the structural condition of parts of the Sambalpur-Angul corridor, where around 270 defective works have reportedly been identified for rectification. The concerns have added pressure for authorities to ensure that repair and maintenance work is carried out effectively.

Questions have also been raised about the use and compaction of fly ash in parts of the highway project. Prolonged rainfall has reportedly washed away sections of the road, raising concerns about the possible formation of voids beneath the surface. Several potholes have emerged at different points along the route, with another agency undertaking repair work at some locations. Pradhan's request for intervention from the Union road transport ministry is aimed at ensuring faster repairs and safer, smoother connectivity along one of Odisha's important transport corridors.

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