The projects inaugurated today include the 4-lane widening of the Banarpal-Godibandha and Talcher-Kamakhyanagar sections, which will improve connectivity in Angul, Talcher, and Dhubri. |
Bhubaneswar: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 19 national highway projects worth ₹4,137 crore, covering 154 km across Odisha.
At the event, in Bhubaneswar (Baramunda ground) Gadkari stated that Odisha’s road infrastructure will soon rival that of the United States. “World-class infrastructure is essential for a state’s development. With rich mineral reserves, ports, forests, and wildlife, Odisha holds immense tourism potential. Improved road connectivity will accelerate growth across these sectors,” he said.
Gadkari highlighted that highway projects worth ₹2 lakh crore are underway in the state. Of this, projects worth ₹60,000 crore have been completed, another ₹60,000 crore are ongoing, and ₹75,000 crore are in the pipeline. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for ₹40,000 crore more, while projects worth ₹27,000 crore covering 650 km have already been awarded. He projected that highway works worth ₹3 lakh crore would be completed in the next two years.
He also announced the Centre’s approval for the Capital Region Ring Road—from Rameswaram in Khurda to Tangi in Cuttack—estimated at ₹7,000 crore, pending Cabinet clearance. Additionally, the six-laning of the Bhubaneswar-Puri road has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,200 crore.
Other major projects include the second Ranchi–Sambalpur corridor (₹8,000 crore) and the Chandikhol–Paradip corridor, expected to be completed by December 2026.
Gadkari inaugurated the four-lane Talcher–Kamakhyanagar section (41 km) of NH-149 and NH-53, constructed at a cost of ₹800 crore. He also opened vehicle underpasses on NH-16 at Balikuda, Sikharpur, and Badachana, built at ₹45 crore.
Two additional highway sections (NH-59 and NH-130CD), totaling 44 km, were inaugurated at a cost of ₹841 crore. Foundation stones were laid for 13 new projects worth ₹2,905 crore, including three new VUPs, a flyover, and bridges over the Mahanadi, Ret, Sagada, and Tel rivers, together costing ₹427 crore.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy CMs KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan were present at the event.
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