Poor Condition Of State Highway Irks Locals In Nabarangpur

Nabrangpur: Despite tall claims made by the Odisha government of carrying out developmental work in the State, broken and pothole-peppered State Highway no. 46 in Nabarangpur district narrates a different tale.

The road connecting Umerkote-Raigarh-Kundei has reportedly developed large crack and knee-deep potholes which has turned into a danger zone for the daily commuters with frequent occurrence of accidents.

According to reports, hundreds of vehicles pass through the road daily as it connects Umerkote with neighbouring states Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh and acts as a lifeline for the locals. However, the road which was constructed last year is in such a bad shape now that locals find it difficult to even walk on it.

The road covered with dirt and dust is not only causing problems for commuters but also for the residents who live in the nearby areas. Their houses have now been covered with a thick sheet of dust due to which many of them have developed respiratory problems, informed sources.

The irate locals claimed that despite their repeated complaints lodged before the concerned authorities, their problems are yet to be addressed.

“The road is in a precarious condition. Daily, many commuters meet with accidents while travelling,” said Kishore Chandra Choudhary, a local resident

“We have informed the government officials, but still the road condition is poor. It seems they are in coma as they are yet to take action in this regard,” said Sanraj Gond, Kundei Sarpanch

Gond alleged that even after repeated complaints the concerned authorities have not paid heed to their worries.

Umerkote MLA Nityananda Gond stated that he has raised the issue in the Assembly several times including the last session but the State government seems to not care about it.

On the other hand, concerned authorities denied to give any statement about the issue, but informed that a tender of Rs 9 crore has been sanctioned for the road repairing work.