Purohit urges faster NH work

Baragada: Baragada Lok Sabha member Pradeep Purohit met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at Parliament House on Thursday, urging the Centre to expedite several key National Highway projects in Baragada and Jharsuguda districts.

During the meeting, Purohit submitted a memorandum highlighting the need for faster implementation of ongoing highway works, early approval of new projects, and the preparation of DPRs for proposed flyovers and underpasses.

Purohit requested Gadkari to accelerate the four-laning of the NH-49 stretch from Jharsuguda to Lakhanpur. He also sought the preparation of DPRs for flyovers and underpasses at key locations along the Sambalpur–Sohela section of NH-53 to improve traffic flow and road safety.

The MP further urged the Ministry to expedite the tendering and execution of the Centre-announced highway projects, including the Baragada–Bilaspur road and Ambabhona, the Sohela–Barpali road, and the Rampur–Sonpur road.

Purohit emphasised that timely completion of these projects would significantly improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and transportation, and boost the socio-economic development of western Odisha. He requested Gadkari to ensure early action on the pending proposals and ongoing highway works.