Sundargarh: A 12-hour bandh was being observed in Birmitrapur of Odisha's Sundargarh district on Tuesday, demanding immediate repair of National Highway-143, which has deteriorated along the stretch passing through the town.

The bandh, called by a joint platform of political parties and the Citizens' Forum, began at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm. Protesters have blocked NH-143 at several locations, including Talsera Square, the New Bus Stand, China Town and the Jharkhand border, as part of the agitation.

Shops and business establishments across Birmitrapur remained closed during the bandh. The road blockade has also severely affected vehicular movement. Heavy goods vehicles coming from Rourkela towards Jharkhand and passenger buses heading to neighbouring Jharkhand have been stranded. Similarly, hundreds of vehicles travelling from Jharkhand towards Rourkela have reportedly been stopped near Basajore on the border.

Passenger bus services between Birmitrapur, Rourkela and nearby areas have also been disrupted, causing considerable inconvenience to commuters.

The protesters are demanding repair of the approximately three-kilometre stretch of NH-143 between Talsera Square and the Jharkhand border. According to locals, the road has turned into a major hazard due to prolonged lack of maintenance and repairs.

Large potholes have reportedly made daily travel difficult, particularly for school and college students and two-wheeler riders. The situation becomes more dangerous during rainfall as water accumulates in the potholes, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.

Residents claim that they had repeatedly brought the condition of the road to the notice of the National Highways authorities and the local administration, but no effective action was taken.

The bandh has therefore been called to press for immediate intervention and repair of the damaged highway.

Police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.