Odisha Government Intensifies Road Infrastructure Push for 2036 Development Goal
In a significant move to realize its vision of building a developed Odisha by 2036, the state government has substantially escalated efforts to accelerate road and infrastructure development across the region. Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan issued clear directives on Monday, instructing senior officers and engineers within the works department to fast-track ongoing and proposed projects by leveraging modern technology and efficient methodologies.
Focus on Balanced Regional Growth and Connectivity
During a comprehensive review of road projects, Minister Harichandan emphasized that development must not be confined to major urban centers alone. He stressed the critical importance of extending robust connectivity to all regions of the state to ensure balanced and equitable growth. "A strong and efficient communication network linking every part of Odisha to major cities is absolutely essential for achieving holistic development," the minister stated, underlining the strategic priority of infrastructure expansion.
Major Projects in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar
A primary focus of the discussions centered on Cuttack, where the minister highlighted the urgent need for an outer ring road, modeled after the successful Bhubaneswar city expansion plan. Officials were tasked with developing detailed plans to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance overall traffic flow within the city.
Additionally, the widening of the crucial Cuttack–Sambalpur NH-55 into a six-lane highway was addressed, aiming to significantly strengthen East–West connectivity between coastal and western Odisha. The minister further directed that all national highways in the state should be upgraded to at least four lanes to improve transportation efficiency.
In Bhubaneswar, several key arterial roads and corridors underwent thorough review, covering aspects such as construction progress, widening initiatives, and land acquisition challenges. Notable projects discussed include:
- The Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan Road
- The Left Parallel Road
- The Pathargadia–Daruthenga road
- The proposed Kelucharan Park–Phulnakhara Road
- The Palasuni to Garage Chhak stretch
- The Acharya Vihar–Kalinga Hospital Road
- The Kaimatia Chhak to Gothpatna road
- Connectivity projects like Gohiria to Chhatabar via Madanpur
Upgrading State Highways and Bypass Projects
Minister Harichandan also underscored the necessity of upgrading state highways connecting various parts of Odisha into four-lane roads. He instructed officials to immediately commence survey work and submit detailed project reports to the government for prompt action.
Beyond urban road networks, the widening of major highways linking Bhubaneswar and Cuttack was reviewed, including:
- The Konark–Puri–Satapada road
- A new alignment for the Pipili–Konark road
- Construction of the Cuttack–Kandarpur and Kandarpur–Balikuda stretches
Progress on vital bypass projects, such as the Jaipur bypass and Balangir bypass roads, was also discussed during the deliberations. "Connectivity is the fundamental key to the development of any state. The works department is fully committed and focused on advancing this critical sector," affirmed a senior official from the works department, reinforcing the government's dedication to infrastructure enhancement.
This intensified push for road infrastructure development marks a pivotal step in Odisha's journey toward becoming a developed state by 2036, with a clear emphasis on modern technology, regional balance, and comprehensive connectivity improvements.
