The Odisha government has taken a decisive step to balance industrial needs with public convenience and tourism growth.
The State Cabinet has approved the construction of a 6.8 km, six-lane diversion road (with a service road) from chainage 4/700 km to 11/500 km on the Duduka-Gopalpur-Toparia MDR in Sundargarh district.
The existing road currently cuts through the mining lease area of the Siarmal Open Cast Project (OCP). The new diversion will allow uninterrupted mining operations while providing smoother, safer connectivity for the public and opening up the district’s rich tourism potential.
The project has been awarded to the lowest EPC bidder, M/s Dilip Buildcon Limited, at a cost of ₹160.20 crore (excluding applicable GST). Work is targeted for completion within 18 calendar months.
Officials say the upgraded road will act as a catalyst for tourism in Sundargarh and neighbouring Jharsuguda. Better connectivity is expected to draw more visitors to iconic spots such as Khandadhar Waterfall, Vedavyas, Sarafgarh Dam, Kanakunda Canyon and other eco-tourism, tribal tourism and industrial tourism destinations.
The enhanced access is also projected to trigger fresh investments in hotels, resorts, restaurants, wayside amenities, fuel stations and eco-tourism facilities — creating local jobs and driving socio-economic development across the region.“The proposed diversion road will serve as a strategic infrastructure project that balances the operational requirements of mining activities with the mobility needs of the public,” the official press brief states. It is expected to deliver significant socio-economic, environmental, tourism and regional development benefits for Sundargarh district and Odisha as a whole.
This forward-looking project perfectly captures Odisha’s vision of inclusive growth — keeping mining strong while unlocking the natural beauty and tourism wealth of western Odisha for the world to enjoy.
