Berhampur: Two additional flyovers are set to be constructed on National Highway 59 passing through the silk city, at a combined cost of Rs 315 crore. The Union government approved the state government's proposal on Wednesday under its Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CIRF) for the fiscal year 2026-27.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has given the green light to 10 road projects in the state, predominantly in southern Odisha, including the two flyovers for Berhampur under the CIRF scheme. The total outlay for these projects amounts to Rs 769.69 crore, covering widening, strengthening, and construction of roads. Sources confirmed that the two flyovers in Berhampur are part of this comprehensive plan.
The new flyover bridges, along with their approaches, will be constructed from Tata Benz Square to MKCG Medical College and from Giri Road Junction to the Old Bus Stand on NH 59. The estimated costs for these projects are Rs 146 crore and Rs 168.26 crore, respectively.
K Anil Kumar, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Berhampur, expressed that these flyovers will bring much-needed relief to the residents who have been grappling with severe traffic problems. He had previously demanded flyovers at Kamapalli and Giri Road Junction to ease congestion and had written to the state government in July 2024.
The MLA thanked the state government for prioritizing his demand and noted that the projects will boost the city's economic and peripheral development. Currently, another flyover is under construction at Gate Bazar at an estimated cost of over Rs 115 crore. This flyover will be 1,135 meters long and 22 meters wide, with 5.5-meter service roads on both sides, according to a senior engineer from the state-owned Orissa Bridge and Construction Corporation Ltd (OBCC), which is executing the project. The work is expected to be completed within the next year, sources said.
In addition, three railway over bridges (ROBs) have already been constructed in the city at Lanjipalli, Haladiapadar, and Gosaninuagaon areas.
