Koraput: In a bid to address persistent traffic congestion on one of Jeypore’s busiest thoroughfares, the Koraput administration has decided to launch an eviction drive to clear encroachments along a 1.5-km stretch of NKT Road. The initiative aims to widen the road and enhance both traffic flow and commuter safety.The current project will focus on expanding a 250-m segment from Kondra Street Chhak to Hotel Madhumati to a width of 30ft. The remaining stretch from Hotel Madhumati to the Ring Road will be widened to 40ft, officials said. Structures falling within the designated area have been marked for removal.“NKT Road faces frequent traffic jams due to unauthorized encroachments. To address this issue, road widening is being carried out and affected structures will be demolished,” Jeypore sub-collector A. Sasya Reddy said.According to Reddy, measurement and marking of the structures slated for demolition are currently underway. A meeting will soon be convened to finalize the list of houses and shops affected by the drive.“Tenders have already been floated and the work order for the widening has been issued. Once the area is cleared, we will immediately begin construction of new drains and road resurfacing to expedite completion,” he added.The administration has also initiated efforts to persuade encroachers to vacate voluntarily. “We expect the actual work to begin within the next couple of weeks,” Reddy said.“The project is part of a broader effort to modernize urban infrastructure in Jeypore and is expected to significantly improve road safety and convenience for daily commuters,” she added.Officials revealed that most of the encroachments stem from unauthorized constructions, improper parking practices and substandard infrastructure planning. A joint team from the revenue department and Jeypore municipality conducted a preliminary survey to identify encroached areas prior to the drive.The move has received support from locals and traders who are hopeful that the road widening will alleviate long-standing traffic woes. “NKT Road is a commercial lifeline for Jeypore. Widening it will not only reduce traffic snarls but also boost the area’s infrastructure and benefit local businesses,” S K Panigrahi, a trader operating along the stretch, said.