Expansion work of NH-26’s 20-km stretch in Odisha halted

JEYPORE: Work to expand the 20 km stretch of NH-26 between Barniput ghat and Borrigumma stretch has come to a halt owing to negligence of Government officials and contractors.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had approved a plan of around Rs 90 crore for expansion of the stretch as it had developed potholes and was lying in a dilapidated condition. The Jeypore division of NHAI had floated tenders for the project and two contractors were assigned the task two months back.

However, the work came to a standstill after the contractors dug up portions of the road near Bariniput ghat and Jayantigiri. These portions now pose a grave threat to motorists with minor and major mishaps reported almost on a daily basis.