Sambalpur MP Seeks Gadkari's Help for NH-55 Repairs
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to repair monsoon‑damaged NH-55, highlighting disrupted west‑coast Odisha travel and safety risks.
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, former Union Education minister, has written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari urging immediate repair and maintenance of National Highway‑55 (NH‑55), which links Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack. In his letter, Pradhan highlighted the highway’s importance as one of Odisha’s key lifelines and a crucial transport and logistics corridor, stressing that its deteriorating condition is jeopardising the movement of essential commodities and daily commuters. The report was filed by the Express News Service and updated on 24 August 2026 at 4:13 am, noting it as a 2‑minute read from Sambalpur.
What condition is NH-55 in?
Pradhan said in his letter that "incessant rainfall and heavy vehicular movement have caused large potholes and damaged stretches at several locations along NH‑55." He added that "waterlogging during the ongoing monsoon makes deep potholes difficult to spot, increasing the risk of road accidents for passenger and goods vehicles." Furthermore, Pradhan noted that "the poor condition of the highway has also disrupted smooth movement and connectivity between western and coastal Odisha." He emphasized that the ongoing monsoon has worsened the situation, with waterlogging obscuring hazards and heightening dangers for all road users.
What actions has Pradhan requested?
Pradhan urged Gadkari to direct the authorities concerned to take prompt action for repairs and to address the pothole problem, particularly on the Sambalpur‑Cuttack stretch. He stressed that "timely repairs would help ensure safer and smoother travel for the public." He also sought immediate intervention to ensure repairs and address the pothole problem, calling for swift directives from the Union minister to the concerned agencies. Pradhan reiterated that fixing the highway would restore reliable connectivity for commuters and freight operators reliant on the corridor.
What recent incidents prompted the request?
The request comes days after repairs were completed on a cavity that had appeared on the Maneswar‑Sindurpank flyover on NH‑55. The incident brought renewed scrutiny to the structural safety of the Sambalpur‑Angul corridor, with around 270 defective works reportedly identified for rectification. 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. Pradhan pointed out that these developments underscore the urgency of a comprehensive maintenance drive to prevent further deterioration and safeguard public safety.
Who wrote to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari about NH-55?
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan wrote to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
What is the current condition of NH-55 as described by the MP?
NH-55 has large potholes and damaged stretches due to incessant rainfall and heavy vehicular movement, with waterlogging making potholes hard to spot and increasing accident risk.
Why is NH-55 important for Odisha?
NH-55 connects Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack and is a key lifeline and crucial transport and logistics corridor for western and coastal Odisha.
What recent repair work was done on NH-55 before the MP's letter?
Repairs were completed on a cavity that had appeared on the Maneswar‑Sindurpank flyover on NH-55.
How many defective works were identified on the Sambalpur‑Angul corridor?
Around 270 defective works were identified for rectification on the Sambalpur‑Angul corridor.
What concerns were raised about the fly ash used in the NH-55 project?
Prolonged rainfall reportedly washed away portions of the NH where fly ash was used, raising fears of void formation beneath the road surface.
What specific action did Pradhan request from Gadkari?
Pradhan urged Gadkari to direct authorities to take prompt action for repairs and to address the pothole problem, especially on the Sambalpur‑Cuttack stretch.
When was the MP's letter to Gadkari reported?
The letter was reported on 24 August 2026.
What effect does the poor condition of NH-55 have on travel?
The poor condition disrupts smooth movement and connectivity between western and coastal Odisha and poses serious problems for passenger and goods vehicles.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
View all articles by Debraj →
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