PM Modi Launches Two Key Infrastructure Projects in Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for two major projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack via video link from Pahadpur on Saturday. The projects include a 300-metric tonne per day compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Bhubaneswar and a bridge over the Kathajodi River in Cuttack.
Bridge to Ease Traffic Between Twin Cities
The proposed bridge over the Kathajodi River is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion for commuters traveling between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The structure will connect Trisulia with the Judicial Academy area near Bellevue Square, providing an additional route across the river. Officials stated that the bridge will reduce pressure on existing routes and improve daily commuting for thousands of residents.
The state cabinet approved the plan in April 2023. The project is estimated to cost Rs 158.88 crore and is slated for completion within three years. Beyond easing traffic, it is expected to boost economic activity in the region by improving connectivity.
CBG Plant to Tackle Waste Management
The CBG plant, to be set up by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) at Meherpali, aims to sharply reduce the waste load on the city's Temporary Transfer Station (TTS) and Micro Composting Centres (MCC). According to a BMC official, the TTS currently handles around 470 tonnes of waste daily, while MCCs convert waste into manure. Reducing the waste load will eliminate exposed waste, which often causes odor issues in nearby localities.
The project will be developed in collaboration with Oil India Limited as part of a broader push for sustainable waste-to-energy infrastructure in urban centers. “The facility would significantly improve waste handling in the city. The operationalisation of the CBG plant will drastically reduce waste load on the TTS, thereby paving the way for zero exposed waste,” a BMC officer said.
The plant will come up on approximately 10 acres and is expected to produce about 13 tonnes of biogas per day, along with organic manure and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Bhubaneswar currently generates around 800 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, including wet and dry waste. Of this, MCCs process about 100 tonnes of wet waste daily, while Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) handle around 120 tonnes of dry waste.
Impact on Urban Development
Both projects are part of the government's efforts to improve urban infrastructure and sustainability. The CBG plant will enhance waste management efficiency, while the bridge will improve transportation links, potentially reducing travel time and fuel consumption. These initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
