Koraput: The road from Koraput to Raniguda and then to Borigumma has become deplorable. The entire road is full of potholes and holes. Even a little rain causes waterlogging on the road. Numerous minor and major accidents have occurred at different times. There have been repeated demands for repairs, but the district administration has been accused of not giving this matter the necessary importance.
While the stretch of this road from Koraput to Borigumma falls under the Eastern Division, about 6 km in the middle comes under the Telengiri project area. Due to long neglect and lack of maintenance and repair, the road’s condition has now become like a deathtrap. This road serves as a lifeline for the districts of Borigumma, Kotpad, Raniguda, and Nabarangpur, but currently, it is threatening the lives of the people.
After the construction of some necessary bridges on this road, travel from Borigumma to the district headquarters had become easier. Heavy vehicles traveling long distances were directed to use this direct road instead of going via Jayapur. As a result, most heavy vehicles use this route. However, the road has gradually deteriorated. Due to the absence of guardrails, soil is slipping down the hills alongside the road during rains, and no action has been taken to prevent this.
Some days ago, the Eastern Division carried out patchwork on the Raniguda bridge from Dayanidhuguda, but since then, the division seems to have stalled the work. Thousands of vehicles use this road daily, causing great inconvenience to travelers.
Local residents have requested an immediate permanent solution to this issue. The problem of this road was raised and demanded by MLAs, MPs, and elected representatives in the recent district council meeting. The District Collector was also requested to take necessary steps in this regard.
During a recent district-level public hearing in Borigumma block, intellectual and social activist Chitrasen Mishra from Podapadar also demanded the construction of this road. When asked about this, District Collector B. Keertibhasan said that the tender for the construction of a new road has been completed, and roadwork will begin soon. The Executive Engineer of the Eastern Division, Priyoranjan Behera, has informed that the roadwork will start shortly.