Deomali main road to remain closed for tourists as construction work continues in Odisha's Koraput

The main access road to Deomali hill, one of Odisha’s major tourist attractions, will remain closed due to ongoing road construction work, sources said on Sunday. With the tourism season underway, visitor footfall to the picturesque Deomali hills in Koraput district has sharply increased.

Also Read: After SS Rajamouli's concerns, Deomali Hills undergoes massive transformation

Until now, tourists had to travel from Kunduli towards Kotia in Koraput district to reach Deomali hill via the Deomali Chhak. However, a crucial 3.5-kilometre stretch from Deomali Chhak to the hilltop is currently under construction.

To prevent inconvenience to tourists during construction, the administration has advised all visitors to take the alternative route. Travellers must now reach the Deomali hill through Semiliguda-Dudhari-Uparakanti. The highest peak in Odisha is located in Pattangi block.

Using this diversion road, the distance from Semiliguda to Deomali will be approximately 22 kilometres. Authorities have urged visitors to cooperate until the roadwork is completed.

Worth mentioning, in a bid to regulate tourism and ensure proper management of the hill region, Koraput district Administration had previously issued a strict order on October 10 prohibiting tourists from bringing outside tents for overnight stays at Deomali.

Ace South Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, during his earlier visit to Odisha to film some major sequences of his upcoming flick SSMB29, had gone on a solo trek to Deomali hills.

Though the Baahubali maker had enjoyed the breathtaking views from atop Deomali Hills, he was disheartened by the waste littered all over the peak. He had taken to social media and expressed his concerns. After which, Deomali underwent a massive transformation.