Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9 -- Hundreds of local residents on Monday took to the streets in protest over the alleged delay in the expansion work of National Highway 53 and the construction of a second bridge over the Brahmani River. The demonstration, spearheaded by the Sachetana Nagarika Mancha, a forum of conscious citizens, saw active participation from both local residents and students, expressing their discontent near Kabatband Bridge under Jenapur police limits in Jajpur's Dharmasala block.

The protesters alleged that due to the tardy progress of the National Highway construction work, several accidents have occurred, leading to numerous fatalities. They demanded speedy construction work. The protesters also warned that they would continue...