Bhubaneswar: Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, demanding urgent structural interventions on National Highway-49 in Debagada district to ensure safety.
In his letter, Pradhan highlighted that the stretch of NH-49 passing through Debagada witnesses heavy inter-state freight and traffic movement which has created a serious accident-prone situation. To ensure safety and smooth movement of people in the district, he has demanded three major structural solutions.
Pradhan pointed out that fast-moving vehicles on NH-49 pass through the Y-junction near Ambedkar Square at the start of the Debagada bypass. Since major institutions like the Collectorate, New Bus Stand and Women’s College are located nearby, there is constant traffic conflict between highway traffic and locals heading to these places. To avoid accidents and safety hazards at this spot, he has stressed that construction of an elevated flyover with a dedicated service road and proper highway lighting system has become extremely urgent.
Sharing his letter on X, Pradhan wrote: “The Member of Parliament has written a letter to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri @nitin_gadkari ji, requesting the development of the road base, safety measures, and a permanent solution to traffic issues on National Highway-49, which passes through Debagarh district.
He has urged the implementation of a flyover, service road, and lighting system at Debagarh Ambedkar Square, the construction of an underpass along with a slip road at Birsamunda Square, and the necessary steps for service roads, drains, and pedestrian safety in populated areas such as Kala, Kandhal, and Tileibani. These measures will make local travel easier and safer”, read his letter.
