Bhubaneswar, Sept. 19 (UDN): Security agencies are stepping up surveillance across North Odisha as the border districts of Balasore and Bhadrak come under increased scrutiny over their alleged use as transit corridors for inter-state crime.
Officials say the region’s extensive road, rail and coastal connectivity has figured in investigations into several suspected illegal activities, including narcotics trafficking, illegal arms movement, wildlife smuggling and unauthorised cross-border movement.
Why the Region Is in Focus
Balasore’s proximity to West Bengal, along with its access to highways, railway lines and the Bay of Bengal coastline, makes it a strategically connected region. Investigators believe these multiple transport links can be exploited by organised criminal networks to move people and contraband across state borders.
Recent investigations, including the alleged smuggling of five orangutans, have further drawn attention to the routes used through the district.
Multiple Routes Pose Monitoring Challenge
The NH-16 corridor provides a direct road link between Odisha and West Bengal, while several rural roads connect villages along the interstate border. The railway network also offers frequent passenger and freight connectivity between the two states.
Along the coast, authorities are paying particular attention to the nearly 165-km stretch between Digha and Dhamra, where waterways present additional monitoring challenges compared to land routes.
Security experts cited in the report noted that boats travelling from Bangladesh could potentially reach Odisha’s Chandipur coast within several hours, underscoring the need for stronger maritime surveillance.
Police to Strengthen Coastal Surveillance
Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra said Odisha Police is expanding its coastal security network by upgrading marine police stations, adding patrol boats and increasing manpower.
According to the DGP, the state has 18 marine police stations, and interim arrangements are being made with locally available boats until new patrol vessels are inducted. Police are also procuring drones to improve aerial surveillance and are enhancing coordination with the Indian Coast Guard.
Focus Beyond Highways
Security experts have stressed that surveillance should not be limited to highways and major checkpoints alone. They say rural border roads, bypasses and other vulnerable routes require greater monitoring to prevent criminal networks from exploiting less-policed corridors.
With infrastructure upgrades underway, authorities aim to tighten surveillance across North Odisha’s land and coastal routes during the coming months.