As the world-famous Rath Yatra approaches, a significant influx of pilgrims and tourists from within and outside Odisha is expected to visit Puri.
In view of this, the Chief Minister and the Works Minister have laid special emphasis on strengthening road infrastructure and ensuring seamless connectivity to Puri town.
Accordingly, the Principal Secretary of the Works Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, IAS, visited the construction site of the Matiapada Road Over Bridge (ROB) on NH-316 and reviewed the progress of the ongoing work.
During the inspection, he reviewed the progress of the Bow String Girder works and assessed the remaining work required for completion of the project. He also directed officials of the National Highways Wing and the executing agency to expedite all remaining work, including the launching of the remaining two Bow String Girder spans immediately after the scheduled inspection by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) on June 26, 2026, to facilitate early completion of the project.
He further instructed that all related works, including the casting of crash barriers, laying of bituminous and concrete pavement on both approach roads, installation of expansion joints, and other ancillary works, be taken up simultaneously and completed in a time-bound manner.
The Works Department is closely monitoring the progress of this strategically important infrastructure project and is committed to ensuring its completion within the stipulated timeline in the public interest. The Principal Secretary also directed the concerned officials to ensure that the service roads on both sides of the ROB are fully completed and made traffic-worthy before Rath Yatra, thereby facilitating smooth and hassle-free movement of pilgrims and other road users during the festival.
The Chief Engineer (National Highways), Superintending Engineer (National Highways), and representatives of the executing agency were present on the occasion.
