Sambalpur MP urges Gadkari to repair damaged NH-55 in Odisha

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to order immediate repairs of National Highway-55, citing its deteriorating condition after incessant monsoon rainfall and heavy vehicular traffic. In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan said the highway linking Sambalpur with Angul and Cuttack suffers from large potholes and waterlogging that endanger commuters and freight vehicles. He stressed that timely repairs are essential to restore safe and smooth movement between western and coastal Odisha.

What condition is NH-55 in?

According to the New Indian Express, incessant rainfall and heavy vehicular movement have created large potholes and damaged stretches at several locations on NH-55, particularly along the Sambalpur-Cuttack stretch. The situation has reportedly worsened during the ongoing monsoon, with waterlogging making deep potholes difficult to spot and increasing the risk of road accidents. The poor condition has disrupted smooth movement and connectivity between western and coastal Odisha. Pradhan highlighted 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 noted that the highway is vital for the movement of essential commodities and daily commuters. Additionally, a cavity that had appeared on the Maneswar-Sindurpank flyover was recently repaired, but around 270 defective works have been identified for rectification on the Sambalpur-Angul corridor. 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.

What action has Pradhan requested?

In his letter to Gadkari, Pradhan urged the Union minister to direct the authorities concerned to take prompt action for immediate repair and maintenance of NH-55. He highlighted the highway’s importance for the movement of essential commodities and daily commuters, seeking intervention to address the pothole problem. Pradhan stated that timely repairs would help ensure safer and smoother travel for the public. The New Indian Express reported that the appeal comes after repair work on a cavity on the Maneswar-Sindurpank flyover and follows concerns over the use and compaction of fly ash in the project, which prolonged rainfall has reportedly washed away, raising fears of void formation beneath the road surface. He urged Gadkari to ensure that the authorities take swift steps to rectify the defective works and restore the highway to a safe condition for all users.

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