Bhubaneswar, August 2025
A devastating accident on Thursday night near the Kathajodi bridge on NH-16 claimed the lives of two individuals, drawing urgent attention to persistent road safety issues on the highway between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Accident Overview
At a critical junction where NH-16 meets the Cuttack Ring Road, a speeding truck rammed into a motorcycle occupied by a man and a woman who were waiting at a volunteer-managed crossing. The collision was so severe that both victims died instantly.
Safety Concerns Spotlighted
Residences and frequent commuters raised alarm over the location’s repeated involvement in fatal accidents. Illegal median openings, parked heavy vehicles, and rural roadways feeding directly into the highway contribute to the high-risk nature of this stretch.
Despite prior attempts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to close these dangerous median openings, strong local resistance stalled progress. Authorities have appealed for stronger administrative backing to address the issue effectively.The Times of India
Enforcement & Infrastructure Challenges
The reliance on traffic volunteers at critical crossings underscores a band-aid approach to safety. Local residents argue that structural remedies—including footbridges, proper median barriers, and redesigned entry points—are essential to prevent further tragedies.
Without these, the community remains vulnerable to repeated, preventable accidents on one of Odisha’s most dangerous stretches of road.
Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking incident illustrates the urgent need for coordinated action—administrative, civic, and infrastructural—to enhance safety on NH-16. An effective response will not only honor the memory of the victims but could also avert future tragedies.
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