Transportation of coal from the Mahanadi Coalfields in Sundargarh district was affected on Tuesday as locals blocked road demanding completion of the 30 km-long coal corridor from Bankibahal to Bhedabahal.
Hundreds of vehicles, including trucks used for coal transportation, remained stranded on both sides of the road due to the incident.
Though the work for the coal corridor commenced in 2020, it has remained shut for the last six months. Protesting it, locals had gheraoed the office of the district Collector two days ago. Intensifying the protest, they staged road blockade at Barapali Chhak on Tuesday to press their demand.
The agitators warned of continuing the protest till an indefinite period.
According to reports, the coal corridor is being constructed for smooth movement of the coal-laden trucks from the MCL and to reduce road mishaps as the heavy vehicles were plying on normal roads.
A 7-km-long portion of the coal corridor, which is nearer to the mines, has been made with concrete instead of tar to withstand movement of multi-axle trucks.
While the plan for further work of the coal corridor was sent to the Works Department of the State Government, it is yet to be approved. Subsequently, the concerned construction company has stopped the work for the past six months.
Frequent movement of trucks on the half-built road has led to the formation of potholes, causing inconvenience for residents of the nearby villages.
