Badachana: The overbridge at Chandikhol junction on National Highway 53 connecting Daitari and Paradip has turned into a death trap with potholes and poor road conditions posing serious risks to commuters.
Chandikhol is a major commercial hub and thousands of people travel through the junction every day.
However, the overbridge is riddled with potholes of varying sizes.
Rainwater accumulates in them, making it difficult for motorists to distinguish between damaged and level sections of the road.
Poor-quality construction and a lack of timely repairs have reportedly led to frequent accidents, causing loss of life and injuries to many.
Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable.
More than 100 accidents have occurred on the two stretches, within a distance of 100 to 200 metres, over the past two years.
At least 10 people have died and more than 100 have been injured, according to local accounts.
Despite the recurring accidents, the authorities concerned have allegedly failed to take adequate steps to repair the roads.
The condition of the railway overbridge at Khosalipur on the Chandikhol-Duburi-Paradip road is equally poor, with large potholes making travel hazardous.
Heavy vehicles transporting iron ore and chromite from Kendujhar, Daitari, Badabil and the Kalinga Nagar industrial area to Paradip ply on the highway.
On their return journey, the vehicles transport coal and other goods to the industrial hub.
Even minor accidents frequently trigger traffic jams on the busy route, disrupting the movement of vehicles.
Residents have expressed concern over the continued neglect of the road despite the recurring problems.
People have urged the authorities, the Jajpur district administration and the local MLA to intervene immediately and ensure repairs to prevent further accidents and save lives.