Buoyed by the Works Department’s recent success in restoring cyclone and rain-damaged roads and bridges within just 72 hours, the Odisha Government is aggressively pushing to complete its ongoing infrastructure projects.
Emphasizing the adoption of modern equipment and new technology, Works, Law, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan directed officials to ensure all major building, road, and bridge projects are completed within their stipulated timeframes.
The directive came during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by the Minister at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhavan on Tuesday. The high-level meeting evaluated the progress of 20 building projects (each exceeding ₹50 crore), 12 road projects, 11 bridge projects, and 26 other critical state developments.
Addressing the persistent hurdles in infrastructure development, Minister Harichandan stressed the urgent need to resolve issues related to land acquisition, utility shifting, and forest clearances to prevent project delays. To streamline these processes and ensure swift execution, the Principal Secretary of the Works Department advised the widespread utilisation of the WAMIS software.
The extensive review covered a wide array of ongoing initiatives across the state. Key administrative and institutional projects discussed included the under-construction residential complex for High Court staff, the Advocate General’s new office, Jajpur Administrative Building, Cuttack Collectorate, Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi, and new residential quarters at Raj Bhavan. Healthcare and education infrastructure also took centre stage, with progress updates on medical colleges in Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj Ayurvedic Medical College, and new facilities at Gopabandhu Academy.
The state’s connectivity blueprint was a major focus, featuring high-level bridges over the Brahmani River (Talcher and Rourkela), Mahanadi (Salepur), Subarnarekha (Jaleswar), Baitarani (Anandapur), and the Ong River (Dunguripali). The Minister also reviewed the progress of the Berhampur Ring Road, the 6-lane Cuttack Ring Road, and the Marshaghai-Jamboo road in Kendrapara.
Several high-profile projects managed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) were scrutinised. These included the SCB clinical and residential buildings, Ravenshaw Collegiate School building, MLA Colony, GA Quarters, and the Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road. The meeting also evaluated major urban and cultural developments, such as the Jagannath Ballav and Samang parking projects in Puri, Digabareni multi-level parking, a second high-level bridge over the Kathajodi River, and beautification and development works at Mahima Gadi, Maa Sarala Temple, Vedavyas Temple, and Maa Tarini Temple.
Speaking to the media post-meeting, Minister Harichandan announced plans to further strengthen the state’s road network by hosting a three-day national “Chintan Shivir” (brainstorming conclave). The upcoming event will gather nationwide experts and intellectuals to chart the future course of road construction in Odisha.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Special Secretary and Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) Samir Hota, EIC (Civil & Roads) Satyabrata Behera, EIC Dhyanchand Mohanty, EIC (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, and various Chief Construction Engineers and Superintending Engineers from across the state’s zones.
