Locals Block Road to Expedite Completion of Sundargarh Coal Corridor

Sundargarh: Transportation of coal from Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha’s Sundargarh district has been disrupted as local residents blocked the road, demanding the completion of a 30 km-long coal corridor from Bankibahal to Bhedabahal.

Hundreds of vehicles, including trucks used for coal transportation, are stranded on both sides of the road due to this incident. Despite commencing work on the coal corridor in 2020, it has been closed for the past six months. In protest, locals had surrounded the office of the District Collector two days ago and have now escalated their demonstration by staging a road blockade at Barapali Chhak.

The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration indefinitely until their demand is met. The coal corridor is essential for facilitating the smooth movement of coal-laden trucks from the MCL and reducing road accidents, as heavy vehicles have been operating on regular roads.

The initial 7 km-long section of the coal corridor, closer to the mines, has been constructed with concrete to withstand the weight of multi-axle trucks. However, further construction work on the coal corridor is pending approval from the State Government’s Works Department, causing the construction company to halt work for the past six months.

Frequent truck movement on the partially built road has led to the formation of potholes, inconveniencing nearby residents. The situation remains tense as locals continue to demand the completion of the vital coal corridor.