Phulbani, Oct 23: A month after a landslide and road damage disrupted traffic at Kalinga Ghat in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, the vital route remains closed, leaving commuters travelling between western and southern Odisha struggling with longer journeys and mounting inconvenience.
Representational Image
Despite the passage of several weeks, normal vehicular movement through the ghat has yet to resume. Police have erected barricades on the Kalinga Ghat roadside near G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal district and at Durgaprasad under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district to prevent vehicles from entering the affected stretch.
The continued closure has forced commuters to take alternative routes, adding approximately 50 to 60 kilometres to their journeys. The disruption has reportedly reduced the number of vehicles using the route, while regular travellers continue to face difficulties reaching their destinations.
Several motorists, including those travelling by motorcycles and cars, have reportedly approached police personnel seeking permission to cross the restricted stretch. However, authorities have denied access, citing the ongoing safety restrictions.
Residents Seek Relief and Clarity
The prolonged closure has sparked concern among local residents and daily commuters who depend on Kalinga Ghat for regular travel. Residents have urged the authorities to explore the possibility of permitting emergency services to use the route, subject to appropriate safety assessments.
The Congress has criticised the state government and the administration, alleging that adequate steps have not been taken to resolve the situation. Residents have also questioned the continued restrictions and sought a clear explanation for the delay in restoring traffic.
During a visit to the site, a news team observed that repair work appeared to have stalled. However, the current condition of the damaged road, the status of restoration efforts and the reasons for the apparent halt in work require official confirmation.
As of Friday, no clear explanation had been provided by the administration or the state government regarding the prolonged closure.
Restoration of Key Route Remains a Concern
Kalinga Ghat is an important road link connecting parts of western and southern Odisha. Its continued closure has disrupted regular travel and increased the distance commuters must cover, adding to the inconvenience faced by people who frequently use the route.
With the disruption now extending beyond a month, commuters are calling on the state government and the district administration to clarify the restoration timeline and take necessary steps to address the problem.
While public access must remain subject to road safety considerations, residents hope that repair work will resume promptly and that traffic can be restored as soon as conditions permit.
Until then, travellers will continue to rely on alternative routes, awaiting a clear timeline for the reopening of Kalinga Ghat.
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