Bhubaneswar, July 26: A proposal to build an elevated corridor on the National Highway No. 6 for smooth traffic movement in Sambalpur city has received the nod from the National Highways Authority of India.

The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation had sent the proposal last year. Around 12km stretch of the NH-6, which passes through Sambalpur city, witnesses traffic congestion at Ainthapali as the Sambalpur-Rourkela State Highway No. 10 and the road leading to the Sambalpur airstrip at Jamadarpali meet with the national highway.

Though the distance between the two junctions - SH-10 and the Sambalpur-Jamadarpali road - is around 300 metres, traffic congestion is a regular phenomenon at Ainthapali, situated between the two junctions.

Moreover, a new modern bus terminus has come up at Ainthapali through which at least 450 buses ply through the area. It also contributes to the traffic congestion.

Once the proposed corridor comes up, the heavy vehicles will ply through it, reducing the traffic congestion, said a civic body official.

Land acquisition officer Sitansu Tripathy said a consultant to prepare the detailed project report and the project estimate would be appointed shortly. "The consultant will conduct the survey. We will provide the data regarding land requirement and structures to be affected as well as other details. The tender for the construction of the elevated corridor will be floated after the report and the estimate are prepared," he said.

The proposed corridor will be around 1.3km long, said Tripathy.

Residents and commuter express their happiness over the move. "Sambalpur city is becoming crowded as the IIM and other institutes are coming up here. So, the national highway stretch will witness more traffic congestion. The sooner the elevated corridor is constructed the better," said local resident Amlan Meher.