Kendrapada: Hundreds of protesters blocked National Highway-53 at Kabatabandha in Jajpur district’s Dharmasala block on Monday, demanding immediate action on the stalled four-lane work and construction of a new bridge over the Bramahani river.
The five-hour blockade, organized by Sachetana Nagarika Manch (SNM), left numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. Protesters expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of a 40-km stretch from Chandikhola to Duburi. “The road has hundreds of potholes, causing severe inconvenience to commuters,” SNM convenor Saroj Behera said. “Despite repeated demands for repairs and completion of the four-lane work, authorities have taken no action.”
A major concern is the 62-year-old Bramahani bridge at Kabatabandha, which protesters claim has become unsafe. “The bridge trembles under heavy vehicles. Thousands cross it daily, yet officials have not initiated construction of a new bridge,” Behera added.
The stretch has reportedly witnessed several accidents in recent months due to its poor condition. Protesters threatened to intensify their agitation if their demands remained unaddressed.
When contacted, National Highways Authority of India‘s (NHAI) regional officer in Bhubaneswar, Birendra Singh, said, “The four-lane work from Chandikhol to Duburi will be completed by March 2025. The new bridge over Bramahani river at Kabatabandha will take an additional year to complete.”
The protest was called off following these assurances from NHAI officials.