Chhatrapur: One of the important junctions along the National Highway 16, Humma connects the famous Tara Tarini temple and other tourist destinations with major cities like Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.
With multiple village roads merging into the NH-16, there was a growing demand for construction of an overbridge.
Considering this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) decided to carry out the project on a priority basis.
Construction began in full swing, with one part of the overbridge almost reaching the final phase.
But the project has come to a standstill owing to an ongoing tug-of-war between Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Ltd. (TPSODL) and NHAI.
NHAI notified the discom to relocate a power grid to enable early completion of the project. However, neither TPSODL is making any effort to clear the site, nor is the NHAI moving ahead with the construction.
The impasse has led to traffic chaos alongside the main road of Humma, making commoners the biggest sufferers.
Tragically, as many as eight people have lost their lives and at least six people have been critically injured in accidents on the congested road, which is used by heavy vehicles, long-distance buses, regular commuters and locals.
Most importantly, ambulances carrying critical patients are the worst affected due to traffic jams on the route.
With the festive season approaching, temples in the area expect a large congregation of devotees who throng the shrines to offer their prayers.
To avoid further mishaps, the Bateswar Shrine Conservation Committee, led by former sarpanch Dilip Chhotray, working president Siba Prasad Swain, secretary Ranjit Palai and others, recently presented a letter to Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan requesting a quick solution with proper connection of the roads to the NH-16.
They also urged him to make way for the early completion of the overbridge
PNN