Road Infrastructure / Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Nitin Gadkari for Urgent Road Safety Upgrades on NH‑49 in Debagada

Debagada, Oct 14: Concerned over rising traffic and frequent accidents along National Highway‑49 in Debagada district, former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging urgent infrastructure upgrades to improve safety.

In his letter, Pradhan highlighted the increasing movement of interstate goods carriers, local traffic, and pedestrians along NH‑49, which has created “serious risks for commuters.” He stressed that the safety of Deogarh residents must be prioritized through structural interventions.

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Pradhan proposed three major projects:

Ambedkar Square Flyover: At the busy Y‑junction near Debagada bypass, where the Collectorate, new bus stand, and Women’s College are located, Pradhan requested an elevated flyover with service roads and proper highway lighting, noting that the area faces constant congestion and accident risks.

Birsa Munda Square Underpass: At the intersection of NH‑49 and State Highway‑21 (Debagada–Anugola Road), Pradhan recommended constructing a vehicle‑friendly underpass and slip roads. He said the current traffic mix of fast‑moving vehicles and local commuters has led to “serious accidents and growing danger.”

Service Roads in Kala, Kandhal, and Tileibani: With rapid urbanization in these residential areas, Pradhan urged the creation of service roads, drainage systems, pedestrian guard rails, and highway lighting. He emphasized that separating local traffic from highway traffic is essential to protect pedestrians.

The Sambalpur MP appealed to Gadkari to direct the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to prioritize these proposals and grant necessary approvals. He described the measures as “critical for ensuring smooth traffic flow and safeguarding lives in Debagada.”

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, noting that NH‑49 has become increasingly unsafe due to rising traffic density. The proposed projects, they said, would not only reduce accidents but also improve connectivity and ease congestion in the district.