Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to take immediate steps to repair National Highway-55, citing its poor condition and growing difficulties faced by commuters and freight operators.

In a letter to Gadkari, Pradhan sought the Union minister’s personal intervention to ensure urgent maintenance of the highway and repair of potholes along the Sambalpur-Cuttack stretch.

NH-55 is a key transport and logistics corridor connecting Sambalpur, Angul and Cuttack. Pradhan said the highway has developed large potholes and damaged stretches due to heavy rainfall and the movement of a large number of vehicles.

The deteriorating road condition has created serious problems for passenger and goods vehicles. Locals and regular commuters are also facing considerable inconvenience, he said.

The situation has worsened during the monsoon due to rain and waterlogging. Water accumulation has made it difficult for motorists to spot deep potholes, increasing the risk of road accidents and disrupting traffic movement.

Pradhan highlighted the importance of NH-55 in connecting western Odisha with the coastal region and facilitating the movement of essential goods. Given its importance, he called for immediate intervention to restore the road and ensure smooth traffic movement.

The Sambalpur MP requested Gadkari to direct the concerned authorities to undertake urgent repairs and address the pothole problem between Sambalpur and Cuttack. Such action, he said, would help ensure safer and more reliable travel for the public.