Keonjhar: A stretch of the NH-49 connecting Keonjhar to Sambalpur is in bad shape and its reconstruction is under way. As a result all the passenger buses are operating via Kanjipani, Oria and Telkoi and Jagmohanpur areas. But these buses have not been provided with permits on these diverted routes.
The expansion work of NH-40 is also under way on a 6-km stretch from Kanjipani to Telkoi. The operation of buses on this route was also hit. The 6-km stretch meanders though hilly terrain.
Most of the time accidents happen on the route. Many buses on this route have been operating without permit to Angul, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Deogarh.
The road is prone to accidents, but passengers travelling in the buses that do not have permits have least chances of getting compensation. Many were wondering how the buses can be allowed to ply on this risky road without permits.
Dhirendra Rout, president of Pargatishila Nagarika Manch, a local outfit, said, “These buses pass near Kanjipani and Telkoi police stations, but unfortunately the police fail to take note of the illegality.”
About four people have died and many injured in accidents on this route in the past few months.
Locals alleged officials of the regional transport office allow such things to happen for a commission.
Both the police and the transport department should check the illegal practice, they said.