Cong stages economic blockade to improve road condition

The opposition Congress today staged a day-long 'economic blockade' at Jagatpur Square on the outskirts of the city protesting Odisha government's laxity towards 106 km Cuttack-Chandbali State Highway.
Hundreds of trucks were seen stranded on the National Highway and other connecting roads passing through the Jagatpur truck terminus located near the square.
Led by Cuttack district Congress Committee Chief Prakash Behera and accompanied by Cuttack city (district) chief Md Moquim, hundreds of Congress activists picketed at the square restricting movement of the trucks.
The State Highway was considered to be the lifeline of parts of Cuttack district and whole of Kendrapara district. But, the dilapidated road has turned into a "death-trap" as it witnesses frequent accidents every day.

"The state government has constantly neglected this road even as announcements to upgrade it come every time during the time of elections," Behera said claiming the day-long economic blockade was a success.
He announced if considerable efforts were not taken soon to improve the condition of the road, the party would launch an economic blockade on the National Highway.
It may be mentioned here that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in December 2013 had laid a foundation stone at Jagatpur for double-laning of the highway at a cost of Rs 153 crore.
"Although, one and half year have passed, the project is yet to see the light of the day," Behera alleged.