Pradhan Urges Gadkari to Repair Damaged NH-55 in Odisha

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari urging immediate repairs to National Highway-55, citing severe deterioration from incessant monsoon rainfall and heavy traffic that has created large potholes and disrupted connectivity between western and coastal Odisha. The former Union education minister described the Sambalpur-Angul-Cuttack corridor as a critical lifeline for essential commodities and daily commuters, warning that waterlogging has made deep potholes difficult to spot and increased accident risks.

What is the current condition of NH-55?

Incessant rainfall and heavy vehicular movement have resulted in large potholes and damaged stretches at several locations along NH-55, which connects Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack. Waterlogging during the ongoing monsoon has made deep potholes difficult to spot, increasing the risk of road accidents. The poor condition has disrupted smooth movement and connectivity between western and coastal Odisha, affecting both passenger and goods vehicles. As highlighted in the research, "The situation has reportedly worsened during the ongoing monsoon, with waterlogging making deep potholes difficult to spot and increasing the risk of road accidents."

Why is this highway critical for Odisha?

NH-55 serves as one of Odisha's key lifelines and a crucial transport and logistics corridor for the movement of essential commodities and daily commuters. The highway links Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack. Pradhan emphasized this importance, stating in his letter that "NH-55, which connects Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack, is one of Odisha’s key lifelines and a crucial transport and logistics corridor." He also noted that the highway is vital for the movement of essential commodities and daily commuters, and sought Gadkari’s immediate intervention to ensure repairs and address the pothole problem, particularly on the Sambalpur-Cuttack stretch.

What prompted the latest appeal to the Union minister?

The appeal comes days after repairs were completed on a cavity that had appeared on the Maneswar-Sindurpank flyover on NH-55. That incident brought renewed scrutiny to the structural safety of the Sambalpur-Angul corridor, with around 270 defective works reportedly identified for rectification. Pradhan sought Gadkari's immediate intervention to direct authorities concerned to take prompt action, stating that timely repairs would help ensure safer and smoother travel for the public.

What structural concerns have been raised?

Concerns were raised over the use and compaction of fly ash in the project, with prolonged rainfall reportedly washing away portions of the highway and raising fears of void formation beneath the road surface. Several potholes have also emerged at different locations along the stretch, prompting repair work by another agency. The research notes that "Concerns were also raised over the use and compaction of fly ash in the project, with prolonged rainfall reportedly washing away portions of the NH and raising fears of void formation beneath the road surface. Several potholes have also emerged at different locations along the stretch, prompting repair work by another agency."

The report was filed by the Express News Service and updated on 24 Aug 2026 at 4:13 am.

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