In a significant move to enhance road infrastructure in Odisha, the Union government, led by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, has approved highway projects worth Rs 44,771 crore. This approval ranks among the largest single-day clearances for road development in the state and underlines the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in the region.

The sanction was announced after a critical meeting held in New Delhi between Nitin Gadkari and Odisha’s Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. The projects cover a wide range of road upgrades including national and state highways, along with other key infrastructure allocations under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). This comprehensive package aims to transform Odisha’s road network, facilitating smoother travel, enhanced trade routes, and better linkage between industrial hubs.

Ambitious National Highway Upgrades

Among the flagged projects, several major expansions are focused on national highways. One of the key highlights is the transformation of the Bhubaneswar-Puri stretch on NH-16 into an eight-lane express corridor. This widening is expected to improve traffic flow and support tourism and commerce between these two important cities.

Another crucial project is the six-laning of the 140-kilometre Tangi-Puintola-Ichhapuram route, which connects Odisha with Andhra Pradesh. This upgrade will facilitate interstate trade and transport efficiency. Furthermore, the ambitious plan to develop a 400-kilometre industrial corridor from Rourkela to Paradip via Barbil and Duburi into an eight-lane highway is set to strengthen industrial logistics and port connectivity.

Additionally, a 68-kilometre stretch from Pallahara to Pitiri on NH-149 will be expanded to four lanes, improving transport access in the region. Together, these national highway projects reflect a strategic approach to easing road congestion and boosting regional development.

State Highways Get a Major Overhaul

The state highways of Odisha will also receive substantial attention under this new sanction. The government has approved the widening of the Barpali-Balangir-Kesinga-Bhawanipatna corridor to four lanes. This upgrade will enhance intra-state travel and support economic activities in western Odisha.

New road construction is also planned between Balangir and Nayagarh, which will further strengthen the state’s road network. Another important development involves the Berhampur to Kalushandapur stretch, set to be developed as a four-lane greenfield corridor. This road will serve as a vital link for the southern parts of Odisha and reduce travel time considerably.

Additional improvement works on roads like the Mohana-Paralakhemundi stretch and parts of NH-26 were sanctioned, underlining the government’s holistic approach to improving road quality and connectivity across various regions in Odisha.

Proposal for New Expressway

In addition to existing projects, Minister Prithviraj Harichandan proposed the development of a new greenfield expressway directly connecting Bhubaneswar to Paradip. The expressway project aims to accelerate infrastructure growth around Paradip Port, which is vital for Odisha’s export and import operations.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari welcomed the proposal and directed the Odisha government to submit a detailed project report for further examination. This new expressway, if approved, could drastically reduce travel time and support rapid industrial and commercial expansion in the Paradip region.

Senior officers including Principal Secretary Works Sanjay Kumar Singh, Engineer-in-Chief L.K. Padhy, Additional Director General Atul Kumar from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Member Bipnesh Sharma were present during the meetings. Their involvement indicates a coordinated effort between central and state agencies to implement these large-scale infrastructure projects smoothly.

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