A longstanding issue pertaining to an unsafe patch on NH-60 would be addressed soon as the Union Ministry of Surface Transport has sanctioned the required amount for construction of an underpass near Vellora Square after sustained efforts of local MP RK Jena.
About Rs15 crore has been sanctioned by the NHAI for the cause, Jena had raised the issue for construction of an underpass near Vellora and had drawn the attention of the Union Ministry.
He had said in the recent past years, 34 people had died in 62 accidents near Vellora, while several others were seriously injured. He had said that Vellora had turned a death trap on the road connecting Baleswar and Kharagpur.
The nearby villagers under Santospur, Paunsakuli, Dakda, Raghunathpur and Kulida panchayats were the worst sufferers. During the discussion and voting on demands for grants of the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, Jena had pointed that about 55,000 villagers and daily commuters mainly belonging to the blocks of Basta and Jaleswar of north Baleswar use a crossing on the NH-60 for their routine works and daily needs. Since all important public institutions are situated in either side of the National Highway, the locals had no other option but to cross the NH a number of times, Jena had pointed out.
In April last, TK Vaidya , project director, Kharagpur division, S Padhi , the regional manager Bhubaneswar and other officials of NHAI had inspected the accident prone spot where the underpass was to be constructed .
“It has been a burning issue for the residents of Basta, Jaleswar and nearby areas. It is likely to be addressed soon as the NHAI has sanctioned Rs 14.58 crore for an underpass near Vellora,” said Jena.