Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) play a pivotal role in strengthening Odisha’s road network. Replacing level crossings with ROBs reduces congestion, saves travel time, and enhances safety for lives and property.
With this in mind, a high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Works Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, to expedite the construction of 166 ROBs proposed on state roads. Senior officials from the Works Department and East Coast Railway attended the meeting.
Notably, progress on these 166 ROBs had remained slow for several years. Taking proactive steps, the state Works Department has leveraged the Union Railway Ministry’s new policy of 2024. Under this policy, East Coast Railway has agreed to construct 96 ROBs at 100% its own cost. A decision has been taken to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect. By operationalising such a large number of ROB projects under the Centre’s new policy, Odisha has set a unique milestone in the country.
The meeting held detailed discussions on land acquisition for the projects, ensuring construction quality, completion within stipulated timelines, and establishing coordination among various state government departments and district administrations wherever required. Officers have been appointed as competent authorities for land acquisition related to approach roads for 112 ROBs.
Among those present were Chief Engineer-cum-Special Secretary, Works Department, Lakshmikant Padhi, along with other senior officers from the Works Department and East Coast Railway.
