Odisha is advancing rapidly on the path of development compared to previous years, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s affection for the state and frequent visits by senior central ministers, which have proven to be a boon. Substantial central funding is flowing in for Odisha’s growth. To achieve Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s vision of a developed Odisha by 2036, the state must expedite progress in roads and other infrastructure, stated Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
Today, at a review meeting held in the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhawan, Minister Harichandan assessed the progress of various Works Department projects. He discussed advancements in national and state highway initiatives, including the Koraput Bypass, Junagarh Bypass, Rourkela Bypass, Nuapada Bypass, Aska Bypass, and roads under OMP-Kandarpur-Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district.
The meeting also focused on crowd control measures in Bhubaneswar, such as widening the road from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan with parallel roads on both sides and connecting links, upgrading and expanding the road to AIIMS, constructing the Khandagiri-Jagamara elevated road, and building a modern elevated road at Kalpana Square. Additionally, plans for a two-tier road at AG Square to reduce traffic congestion were reviewed.
In Puri, the minister evaluated progress on various roads, buildings, dharamshalas, libraries, and other development works, directing officials to complete all construction activities at the earliest.
Furthermore, it was decided that by December 31, all government procedures at the division level will be expedited through the OSWAS online platform. Starting today, all government works of the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) will be conducted via OSWAS, marking its official launch.
The meeting included detailed discussions on the Road Maintenance Policy and emphasised streamlining road and building projects in Puri city.
Attendees included Principal Secretary of Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, EIC (Civil) and Special Secretary Lakshmikant Padhi, EIC (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, OBCC Managing Director Sameer Hota, Chief Engineer (Roads-1) Dhyanachand Nayak, Chief Engineer (Buildings-1) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer (Roads-2) Shivabrata Taria, Regional Officer of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Sunil Kumar, Bhubaneswar Chief Construction Engineer Manoj Mahananda, senior NHAI officials, and other senior departmental officers.
