Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan today chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, directing officials to fast-track the development and widening of two major National Highways — Koida–Chandikhol and Rimuli–Champua — to strengthen connectivity across Odisha.
The Minister reviewed detailed proposals covering project mapping, land acquisition, forest clearances and other mandatory approvals. He instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Works Department senior officers and engineers to complete all processes within stipulated timelines and ensure high-quality execution.
“These two National Highways will significantly boost the state’s mineral economy, industries, tourism sector and overall connectivity, giving fresh momentum to Odisha’s comprehensive development,” Minister Harichandan said.
In a follow-up afternoon meeting, the Minister focused on permanent solutions for Bhubaneswar’s growing traffic congestion and crowd management challenges. He reviewed the progress of several critical urban road projects aimed at improving vehicle flow and easing pressure on the capital’s roads.
Key projects discussed included the Bhubaneswar Inner and Outer Ring Roads, Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan Road, Bam Samantarala Road, Pathargadia–Daruthenga Road, Sikharchandi–Pathargadia–Raghunathpur link, Kelu Charan Park–Patia Railway Station Road, Kelu Charan Park–Phulnakhara Road, the proposed 6-lane high-level bridge over the Kuakhai River, DN Rengalia–Kalinganagar Road, Sum Hospital–Sampur Road, Khandagiri–Pokhariput Elevated Corridor, NH-16 to AIIMS junction connector, Power House–CRPF Chowk Road, Daya West Canal Road, and the proposed Elevated Corridor on the Bhubaneswar–Puri Road.
Minister Harichandan directed officials to expedite surveys, detailed designs, necessary approvals and on-ground execution while maintaining top standards of quality. He emphasised that these projects would help create a world-class road network and make traffic management in Bhubaneswar more systematic and efficient.
The meetings were attended by Works Department Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, senior NHAI officials, senior Works Department officers and engineers.
