Acknowledging the critical role that National and State Highways play in socio-economic growth, the Odisha government has set its sights on accelerating mega road infrastructure projects across the state.
In a high-level review meeting held at Nirman Soudha on Wednesday, Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan evaluated the progress of ongoing highway projects spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
The extensive review focused on projects valued at over ₹50 crore under both NHAI and the State Government’s NH division. Addressing administrative hurdles and construction delays, Minister Harichandan issued a stern warning to construction agencies, making it clear that the state will take strict action against contractors exhibiting negligence or failing to meet deadlines.
Major NHAI Projects on the Fast Track
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to resolving roadblocks in multi-crore infrastructure corridors. The expedited completion of bypass roads to alleviate urban traffic congestion was a primary focus. Key NHAI projects reviewed include:
- Puri-Bhubaneswar Highway: Upgradation to a 6-lane stretch equipped with dedicated service roads.
- Sambalpur-Jharsuguda Corridor: Construction of the new 4-lane greenfield road.
- Capital Region Ring Road: Strategic review to decongest the twin cities.
- Interstate & Coastal Corridors: The 240 km Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor, Coastal Highway (Rameshwar-Paradip, Paradip-Digha), and the Rourkela-Ranchi 4-lane road.
- Heavy Traffic Routes: Chandikhole-Paradip connecting road, Cuttack-Angul-Sambalpur corridor, 6-lane Koida-Barbil-Chandikhole road, and the 6-lane Puintala-Tangi road (NH-16).
- Vital Linkages: 4-lane Redhakhol-Sambalpur road, 4-lane Jharsuguda-Tileibani road, Cuttack-Kandarpur road, and the Sambalpur bypass.
State Works Department Interventions
Alongside NHAI developments, the minister also scrutinised projects under the State Works Department’s NH Division. These initiatives are heavily focused on widening existing routes and establishing critical bypasses in interior and southern Odisha.
Prominent state-led projects discussed include the widening of the Koksara-Nabarangpur road, Mohana-Koraput road, and Bhanjanagar-Aska road (NH-157). The committee also evaluated the Daringbadi Ghat road (NH-59), bypasses in Berhampur, Khurda, and Jeypore (4-lane NH-260), along with 4-lane Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) in Khariar Road and Kesinga. Additionally, progress on the high-level bridge on the Malkangiri-Motu road and the widening of the Kandarpur-Balikuda route were assessed.
Overcoming Execution Hurdles
Principal Secretary (Works) Sanjay Kumar Singh briefed the minister on the ground-level challenges stalling specific projects. The discussions tackled inter-departmental bottlenecks, including land acquisition complications, forest land clearances, and utility shifting.
To streamline these processes, officials and engineers were directed to heavily utilise the central ‘Bhoomirashi’ portal and maintain seamless coordination with allied departments to ensure targeted deadlines are met without compromise.
The meeting saw the attendance of top infrastructure and environmental officials, including Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) & Special Secretary Er. Samir Hota, EIC (Civil & Roads) Er. Satyabrata Behera, Forest Department Special Secretary Swayam Mallick, MoRTH Regional Officer Er. Sunil Kumar, NHAI Regional Officer Er. Pradeep Lal, and various Chief Engineers and contracting agency executives.
