Phulbani, October 26, 2025: Over 40 days have passed since a massive landslide triggered by cloudburst rains on September 16 disrupted the Ranchi-Vijayawada National Highway at Kalinga Ghat, severely impacting connectivity in Kandhamal district. Despite the prolonged disruption, restoration work on this critical highway remains incomplete, drawing widespread criticism for the government’s apparent lack of urgency.
The closure has directly affected approximately 7 lakh residents of Kandhamal, particularly in areas such as G. Udayagiri, Raikia, Tikabali, K. Nuagaon, Baliguda, Phiringia, Phulbani, Tumudibandh, Kotgarh, Daringbadi, Khajuripada, and Chakapada. This vital route, used daily by thousands, has also impacted residents of neighboring districts, including Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Nuapada, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services.
In response, the people of Kandhamal are set to hold a mass protest on October 31 in front of the District Collector’s office in Phulbani. The demonstration aims to draw the government’s attention to the urgent need for expedited restoration of the Kalinga Ghat road on a war-footing basis to ensure public access.
The organizers have called for widespread participation, urging conscious citizens, intellectuals, social workers, political leaders, and journalists to join the protest, transcending party lines, to amplify the district’s demand for swift action and restoration of this critical lifeline.
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