The road, which connects NH-53 with NH-55, lies damaged. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Sept. 25: A road that connects NH-53 to NH-55 in Sambalpur is in a bad shape, creating problems for commuters. The three-km stretch belongs to the National Highways Authority of India.

“This is an important road as it connects the two national highways, but the authorities have taken no initiative to repair the road. The stretch from Dhanupali Chhak to Sindupankh Chhak is full of potholes. Hundreds of trucks and buses pass through this road. Students also depend on this road to go to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose College,” said Manoranjan Das, a local resident.

“The residents of Dhanupali, Pilakandeipara and Krishna Nagar had also resorted to a road blockade demanding the road be repaired. Officials of the National Highway division had also assured to repair the stretch, but they are yet to take any initiative,” said Jogesh Badhei, a commuter.

“The road needs urgent repairing. The commuters and the local residents are suffering because of negligence on part of the authorities concerned ,” he said.

Sub-divisional officer Muralidhar Pradhan said: “The road was constructed in 2006-07. The condition of the road has deteriorated because of the rain. We will fill the potholes on the road soon.”

Earlier, the department had invited tenders for the construction of the road. But, the process failed as the government could not release funds. This year, the government would send the annual action plan for repairing the road. “We will prepare an estimate for the road. I expect the repair work to begin by December,” said Pradhan.