Odisha witnessed a significant leap in its infrastructure development as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 19 transformative road projects worth Rs 4,173 crore during a vibrant event in Bhubaneswar’s Baramunda.
These projects, spanning approximately 154 kilometres, mark a pivotal moment for the state’s connectivity and economic growth, driven by the collaborative momentum of the “Double Engine Government” – the synergy between the Central and Odisha state governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The event, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, showcased the rapid approval and execution of infrastructure proposals, with the Chief Minister proposing projects and Union Minister Gadkari granting immediate approvals. This seamless coordination was hailed as the “Double Kamal” (double lotus, symbolizing BJP’s electoral symbol), reflecting the accelerated pace of development under the dual leadership.
Key Highlights of the Projects
Out of the 19 projects, two road initiatives valued at Rs 845 crore have been dedicated to the public, improving connectivity and easing traffic flow. Additionally, foundation stones were laid and groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted for 17 projects totaling Rs 3,332 crore. These initiatives are expected to enhance transportation, reduce travel time, and eliminate dangerous accident-prone areas across Odisha.
In a significant announcement, Gadkari approved 13 projects proposed by the Chief Minister, amounting to a total investment of Rs 9,023 crore.
Notable projects include:
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Kanaktora-Jharsuguda Road: A 68-km, 4-lane road costing Rs 2,000 crore, reducing travel time from 3 hours to under 1 hour and addressing 11 black spots.
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Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary Road: A 27-km, 4-lane road worth Rs 850 crore.
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Puri-Konark Link Road: A 25-km, 4-lane road at Rs 800 crore, boosting tourism and connectivity.
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Mohana-Koraput Road: A 202-km, 2-lane road costing Rs 1,526 crore.
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Tel River Bridge in Kalahandi: A 2-km bridge worth Rs 92 crore.
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Bypasses: 2-lane bypasses in Sonepur (9 km, Rs 178 crore), Aska (11 km, Rs 175 crore), and Kolabira (5 km, Rs 120 crore).
Additionally, eight bypasses worth Rs 5,000 crore were approved for cities including Berhampur, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Nayagarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, Phulbani, and Rayagada, further decongesting urban centres.
The Union Minister also sanctioned Rs 800 crore from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for road improvements, as proposed by CM Majhi. Gadkari supplemented this with an additional Rs 200 crore from his MP fund, bringing the total CRIF allocation to Rs 1,000 crore. He highlighted that Odisha is currently implementing road projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore, with Rs 60,000 crore already completed and another Rs 60,000 crore underway. Upcoming projects worth Rs 75,000 crore are in the pipeline, and within the next two years, projects totalling Rs 3 lakh crore are planned, positioning Odisha as a hub of infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, Gadkari emphasised the transformative impact of the new BJP-led state government under CM Majhi, stating, “Since Shri Mohan Charan Majhi took charge, Odisha’s development has gained unprecedented momentum. Every proposal from the state government is being approved swiftly to ensure rapid progress.” He underscored the role of world-class infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
Chief Minister Majhi echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Roads are the mirror of a region’s development. To fulfil our vision for a developed Odisha, we are prioritising robust infrastructure.” He highlighted Odisha’s success in attracting capital investment and stressed the need for modern infrastructure to support industrial projects, positioning the state as an emerging economic powerhouse.
Impact on Odisha’s Future
The projects announced are set to revolutionise connectivity, enhance tourism, and boost industrial activity across Odisha. The 4-lane roads and bypasses will reduce travel time, improve safety, and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people. The focus on wildlife sanctuaries and pilgrimage routes like Puri-Konark underscores a balanced approach to development, blending economic progress with cultural and environmental considerations.
The event in Baramunda symbolised not just the launch of road projects but also the strengthening of Odisha’s aspirations under the Double Engine Government. As CM Majhi and Union Minister Gadkari jointly laid the foundation for a new era of growth, Odisha stood poised to emerge as a model of infrastructure-led development in India.
