Vehicular movement on National Highway-16 in Jaraka of Jajpur district was disrupted on Thursday as locals blocked the road demanding construction of a flyover at Jaraka Square.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway due to the blockade. Besides, shops and other business establishments remained closed due to the protest.
“We have been demanding construction of an over-bridge at Jaraka Square in view of the rising road mishaps on the stretch. However, the NH authorities have decided to construct a flyover in another location, for which we resorted to the strike today,” said an agitator.
Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantaray also joined the road blockade. “Last year, we had urged the NHAI to start work. But NHAI officials did not pay any heed to our plea, for which we blocked the highway,” said Balabantaray .
The MLA also demanded construction of a new bridge over the river Bramahani at Kabatabandha.
Later, the Dharmasala police reached the spot and were trying to pacify the protesters till last reports came in.