In a significant push to boost connectivity and ease traffic between Odisha’s twin cities, a high-level meeting was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan to finalise plans for the ambitious expansion of National Highway 316 (Bhubaneswar–Puri).
The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, focused on converting the existing 67-km stretch into a world-class 6-lane high-speed corridor. The project includes 6-lane elevated sections, dual 2-lane service roads on both sides, and dedicated wayside amenities for pilgrims and tourists.
A special emphasis has been placed on creating a separate utility corridor for power, telecom, internet, water, and gas lines — a crucial feature given the cyclone-prone nature of the region.
A standout feature of the plan is the 11-km elevated 6-lane corridor from Saptasati Chowk to Lingipur Chowk, flanked by 3-lane service roads on each side. This section is expected to dramatically reduce congestion in Bhubaneswar while slashing travel time between the capital and the holy city of Puri.
Officials highlighted that the design takes into account future developments, including the proposed Puri Airport, the Coastal Economic Corridor, and rising population pressure. Multiple flyovers, Vehicle Underpasses (VUPs), and elevated structures will be constructed at critical junctions to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
The project is being guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, under the supervision of Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.
Senior officials from the Works Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, NHAI, TPDoSL, WATCO, OPTCL, and Forest & Environment departments attended the meeting.
Once completed, the upgraded NH-316 is expected to transform the travel experience for millions of pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters while setting a new benchmark for urban infrastructure in Odisha.
