Viksit Odisha / Dharmendra Pradhan Bats For Overbridge at Nuahata Chhak to Ensure Students’ Safety

Anugola, Sept 10: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday halted his convoy at Nuahata Chhak on National Highway-55 in Odisha’s Anugola district after noticing schoolchildren crossing the busy stretch amid heavy traffic. The incident underscored the daily risks faced by students and residents in the area.

Pradhan, on his way back to Bhubaneswar, intervened immediately after witnessing schoolchildren attempting a dangerous crossing of the busy highway. He spoke with the District Collector, urging the construction of an overbridge at Nuahata Chhak to provide safe passage for pedestrians.

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan stopped at Nuahata Chhak in Banarpal while returning to Bhubaneswar after noticing children dangerously crossing the Highway.

Concerned over their safety, Pradhan called the concerned district Collector and requested the construction of a foot… pic.twitter.com/Z2QPSqZUxu

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) September 10, 2026

Residents of Banarpal block have repeatedly raised grievances about the absence of safe crossing facilities, with schoolchildren being particularly vulnerable. The lack of pedestrian infrastructure has forced locals to navigate heavy traffic daily, creating a constant risk of accidents.

Pradhan’s call for an overbridge was welcomed by locals, who have long demanded safety measures. The proposed structure is expected to ease congestion, improve traffic management, and provide secure access for students and residents.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Calls for Rehabilitation, Pollution Control at Anugola MCL RPDAC Meet

Local voices noted that the intervention reflects a citizen-centric approach to governance, where immediate action is taken to address pressing public concerns. The move also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen road safety and infrastructure in Odisha’s fast-developing districts.

The construction of an overbridge at Nuahata Chhak would not only benefit schoolchildren but also enhance pedestrian safety for the wider community, ensuring smoother vehicular movement along NH-53. Residents expressed gratitude to the Sambalpur MP, hoping the proposal will be implemented swiftly to end years of risk and inconvenience.