Bhubaneswar: Baleshwar MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the proposed six-laning of the Kharagpur-Baleshwar stretch of National Highway-60, citing delays in the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) despite an earlier decision to waive the traffic volume benchmark.
In a letter dated November 2, Sarangi requested Gadkari to personally intervene and direct the concerned authorities to expedite the preparation and approval of the DPR and take necessary steps to commence the six-laning work at the earliest.
The MP recalled that Gadkari had earlier facilitated a decision to waive the prescribed traffic volume benchmark for taking up the project for six-laning. Subsequently, it was also indicated that a DPR would be prepared to facilitate the project’s progress.
However, despite the positive development and considerable time having elapsed, the project has apparently made little progress, Sarangi pointed out.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the highway, the Baleshwar MP said the Kharagpur-Baleshwar stretch serves as a vital transportation corridor connecting northern Odisha with West Bengal. It facilitates the movement of passengers, agricultural produce, industrial goods and commercial traffic.
He said upgrading the highway to six lanes would help address the growing traffic pressure, ease congestion and improve road safety. It would also give a boost to regional trade, industrial activity and economic development.
Emphasising the wider public interest and regional benefits of the project, Sarangi urged the Union minister to ensure that the pending formalities are completed without further delay and the project is taken up for implementation at the earliest.
