Biju Expressway Turns Death Trap: Residents Demand Immediate Repair of Damaged Stretch from Bhatipada to Sinapali

Sinapali, July 9: The Biju Expressway, which connects Bhatipada in Nuapada district to Koraput via Sinapali, has turned into a major safety hazard for commuters. Large potholes, damaged asphalt, and deteriorating road surfaces have made the highway increasingly dangerous, with locals alleging that accidents have become a frequent occurrence, especially during the monsoon. The worst-affected stretch lies between Bhatipada and Thongo, covering nearly 15 kilometres, where one side of the road has been severely damaged. The asphalt and stone chips have worn away, leaving deep potholes that become submerged in rainwater. As a result, motorists are often unable to judge the depth of the potholes, leading to loss of vehicle control and road accidents. A similar situation exists near the Kendumunda Bridge in front of Bhela village under Komna block, where the road surface has also deteriorated significantly. Waterlogging during rainfall further increases the risk for both light and heavy vehicles, causing inconvenience and posing a serious threat to road users. The Biju Expressway is a vital transport corridor linking Nuapada district with Chhattisgarh and several parts of Odisha. Hundreds of trucks, buses, cars, and two-wheelers use the route every day. However, the poor condition of the road has left commuters feeling unsafe. Local residents claim that minor and major accidents occur almost daily, with some resulting in loss of life. Residents have alleged that despite crores of rupees being spent on the construction of this important highway, poor-quality work and inadequate maintenance have led to its rapid deterioration. They have demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter and strict action against those found responsible. The public has urged the administration and the concerned department to undertake immediate reconstruction and repair of the damaged stretch between Bhatipada and Sinapali to ensure safe travel. They warned that if restoration work is not taken up without delay, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, the likelihood of more serious accidents will continue to rise.