Koraput: Demanding construction of at least seven subways between Koraput and Machkund railway station, the local MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria has threatened to gherao the district collectorate on Wednesday.

The legislators alleged that due to lack of subways, thousands of villagers of at least seven panchayats were facing problems in reaching the district headquarters town of Koraput as the Kirandaul-Kottavalsa railway line passes through their villages.

"The villagers risk their lives to cross the railway line. It's a nightmare to shift pregnant women and patients to Koraput hospital," said Sagaria.

"The railway department had prepared a budget of Rs 21 crore for the construction of the subways and it was sent to the state government for sanction of funds," he said.

"Though six months have passed since the estimate was sent to the state government, no action has been taken to ensure the release of funds at the earliest. Hence, we have decided to gherao the collectorate on Wednesday and intensify our agitation till our demands are fulfilled," he added.

In addition to it, the Congress legislator has demanded construction of two more subways at Musurigada and Old Koraput town between Koraput-Jeypore railway stations.

Further, he accused the state government of poor road network in his Assembly segment.

He said: "Residents of at least four panchayats in Lamataput block have been forced to use country boats to reach the block headquarters as the government was yet to construct a bridge over river Kolab. We want a bridge at Sindhiput village for the benefits of the villagers."