Heavy rain washes away crucial diversion road, cuts off access to NH-49 in Keonjhar

A temporary but crucial diversion road near the Banspal bridge construction site in Keonjhar district was washed away last night due to heavy rain, severing connectivity to the national highway (NH-49) from Telkoi block, sources said on Sunday.

Stranded vehicles and residents now await urgent administrative intervention.

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According to the sources, a diversion road built for the under-construction Banspal bridge on Kanjipani-Kantala Works Department road has been washed away by last night’s heavy rainfall. As a result, the vital road connectivity from Telkoi to NH-49 has been completely disrupted.

Locals alleged that the road has been under construction for two years. Despite this extended period, the bridge project remains incomplete, progressing at a snail’s pace. This delay prevented its completion before the onset of monsoon, raising concerns over planning and execution by the district administration.

Vehicles got stuck on both sides of the road

The sudden collapse of the diversion route has left commuters and locals stranded. Vehicles are stuck on both sides of the road, with no alternative access to the national highway. Due to the disconnection, residents face immense difficulties in transportation, medical emergencies, and day-to-day activities.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but public frustration is mounting.

Many have demanded swift repair work and accountability for the project delay, especially with monsoon rains intensifying across the region.

“Construction of two bridges should have been completed before the onset of monsoon this year. However, the construction of only one has started so far, which is going on for the last two years. Telkoi has got completely disconnected due to the road snag,” a resident from Chhamunda panchayat of Keonjhar, Harihar Nayak, said to OTV.