12‑Hr Bandh Cripples Biramitrapur Over NH‑143 Repair Demand

Normal life came to a standstill in Biramitrapur on Tuesday as residents observed a 12‑hour bandh demanding urgent repair of the damaged NH‑143 stretch between Talsara and the Jharkhand border.

The bandh, supported by Odisha Driver Mahasangha and Biramitrapur Auto Association, disrupted vehicular movement and inconvenienced commuters, though emergency services were exempted.

Protesters alleged that despite repeated appeals, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has failed to act on the deteriorating road conditions.

The stretch is riddled with potholes 2–3 feet deep, leading to frequent accidents, waterlogging during rains, and dust pollution in dry weather.

Locals said they had earlier approached the district administration, but no action was taken, forcing them to resort to the bandh.

Residents demanded immediate intervention from NHAI and district authorities to restore the highway.

At the time of reporting, neither NHAI nor the administration had responded to the allegations.