Odisha’s Public Works Department (PWD) has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the state’s road infrastructure as part of the 2026-27 budget allocations.
Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan presented the expenditure demands in the Assembly on March 20, 2026, emphasising the government’s commitment to a pothole-free, smooth, and world-class road network to support Odisha’s vision of becoming a developed state.
The department has been allocated ₹13,451 crore for the financial year, with a strong focus on road construction, traffic decongestion, and connectivity enhancements.
The minister announced that all PWD roads will be made pothole-free and gleaming, while state highways will be upgraded to four-lane standards, and single-lane roads expanded to two lanes.
Key highlights from the budget include:
- A target to build **15,000 km** of world-class roads over the next five years, with an annual plan for **3,000 km** of high-quality road development.
- **₹7,085 crore** specifically earmarked for road improvements.
- In Bhubaneswar, **₹350 crore** allocated for widening **20 km** of roads to reduce traffic congestion.
- Under the Capital Road Development Programme, **37 roads** in Bhubaneswar have been approved, along with proposals to upgrade airport-connecting roads to four lanes.
- Major corridor projects:
- The **Motu-Tirisingi** road (approximately **969 km**) to connect southern to northern Odisha, with an estimated cost of **₹15,000 crore**.
- **Jharsuguda-Baleswar** corridor (**383 km**) linking industrial and mining areas to Dhamra Port, budgeted at around **₹7,500 crore**.
- **Rourkela-Jaleswar** road (**391 km**) connecting Rourkela’s steel city to Subarnarekha Port, with **₹2,200 crore** allocation.
Additionally, ₹530 crore has been set aside for central scheme-supported road and bridge works. Heritage preservation received attention, with ₹200 crore for temples and monuments, ₹50 crore for Maa Tarini Pitha in Ghatgaon, and ₹50 crore** for the Ekamra Kshetra heritage cluster.
The budget proposals received support from ruling party members during discussions and were subsequently passed in the Assembly.
