Joda: Joda-Bamebari state highway, billed as one of the lifelines of Keonjhar district in terms of mineral transportation, is in bad shape due to lack of maintenance by the public works department, locals alleged. Commuters, ore-laden trucks, buses and local people are having a bumpy journey on the road, as per reports. It is the main thoroughfare leading to Joda mining area. Thousands of people from panchayats like Jurudi, Jajanga, Jalahari, Balda, Badakalimati and Palasa commute on the road, apart from thousands of trucks and dumpers carrying the minerals. The road is replete with potholes and craters, which often cause a vehicular breakdown.
Mishaps are routinely occurring on the route, locals lamented. Though they have drawn the attention of the administration and the legislators towards the bad shape of the road, no step has been taken yet. It may be noted here that Rs 50 crore has been allocated from District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund for expansion and restoration of the 13-km long Joda-Bamebari state highway. However, the same has been left halfway even after six years of commencement of the work. The construction agency concerned has failed to ensure quality work while locals have demanded that the department should pay heed to the road condition.