TV
Odisha government has plans to amalgamate the cities of Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri into a singular urban expanse to be known as the Tri-City. This initiative is set to drive modernisation by enhancing infrastructure and integrating advanced services across these regions, sources said on Thursday.
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Priority will be given to alleviating the prevalent traffic congestion, with proposals for new flyovers and ring roads, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra detailed.
Historically, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have been identified as twin cities. By including Puri, a city of great spiritual significance and a frequent destination for pilgrims, the aim is to create a cohesive and ambitious Tri-City. The State government notes this will address the escalating pressure on existing infrastructure due to a surge in visitors and residents that exacerbate congestion issues.
With the population growth spurring the development of residential and commercial areas, there is a considerable demand for expanded road networks and superior transport solutions. Authorities are thus set to implement significant infrastructure enhancements, including ring roads and flyovers, to facilitate better connectivity and reduce travel times.
Officials have stressed that strict compliance with town planning schemes will be enforced, ensuring both residential and commercial constructions with adherence to governmental regulations. However, this approach is deemed essential for orderly urban development, without which construction projects will not proceed.
Urban planning experts have expressed optimism about the ‘greater capital city’ project. They have highlighted the necessity for supplementary roads to complement the broadened streets, thereby strengthening the links between the three cities and significantly easing traffic problems.
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“Construction of concrete structures (including buildings and houses) sans adequate plan approval and in an unplanned manner will not be allowed at all. Provisions for drainage, road, and drinking water will be there, wherever we will start TP (town planning) schemes,” the H&UD Minister stated.
“Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri will be developed and be accorded the status of a ‘Tri-City’ soon,” the H&UD Minister further said.
