Bhubaneswar, December 30: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for construction of a bypass on NH-55 around Rairakhol town in Sambalpur district in the larger public interest.

Pradhan, who represented the Sambalpur parliamentary constituency, in a letter drew Gadkari’s attention to a representation received by him from the people of Rairakhol regarding the construction of a bypass.

“I would like to draw your kind attention to a representation received from the people of Rairakhol, District - Sambalpur, Odisha duly supported by the Bar Association, Truck Owners' Association, Senior Citizen Forum and local journalists regarding construction of a bypass outside the Rairakhol town limits for hassle-free commuting,” said Pradhan.

Pradhan highlighted that NH-55 is one of the busiest national highways in the region, and Rairakhol town is growing rapidly with all round infrastructure development. Several important Government establishments such as the Sub- Divisional Office and the Sub-Divisional Hospital, along with educational institutions like Bhima Bhoi Degree College have contributes to the growth of Rairakhol Town, he added.

“Due to these establishments, there is considerable movement of people during office hours. At the same time, playing of heavy vehicles through the narrow town roads, which are not designed to handle highway-level traffic, has resulted in frequent severe congestion, thus increasing the risk of road accidents and avoidable inconvenience to students, patients, and senior citizens,” said Pradhan.

Pradhan said, “In view of the above, I request your personal intervention to look into the matter at your personal level and issue instructions to the authorities for construction of a bypass around Rairakhol town in the larger public interest.”