The Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved construction of new roadways along with major bridges under the Biju Expressway.
As many as 11 major proposals relating to Finance, Fisheries and Animal Resource Development, General Administration and Public Grievances, and, Housing and Urban Development were given nod during the meeting.
The government believes the construction of new roadways and major bridges under the Biju Expressway will not only provide enhanced connectivity in Western Odisha but will also provide impetus to the industrial growth and overall economic development in the region.
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“Passing through two districts- Kalahandi and Nuapada, the 174.5 km expressway will boost trade and industrial activity as State Government is parallelly working on leveraging development of the expressway to develop Biju Express Economic Corridor through Department of Industries,” the government said.
With a total approved cost of Rs 448.02 crore, the project will be developed in EPC mode as a 4-lane carriageway and will include construction of 17 minor bridges and 8 major bridges.
The total length of Biju Expressway (Ghatipada-Sinapali) in Nuapada district will be 104.65 km including 6 minor bridges and 6 major bridges.
A 69.85 km long stretch of Biju Expressway (Sinapali-Dharmagarh-Ampani) will pass through Kalahandi district including construction of 11 minor bridges and 2 major bridges.
The Cabinet also approved construction of box drains in Cuttack city under JICA assisted Odisha Integrated Sanitisation Improvement Project (OISIP). The work is expected to start by July 1 and completed by December 31, 2022.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra said, “11 proposals have been approved in the Cabinet meeting including four related to Biju Expressway connecting western and southern Odisha. The cabinet has given nod for four lanning of Biju Expressway in Nuapada and Kalahandi at a cost of Rs 448 crore.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stones of seven Liquid Medical Oxygen Plants in as many districts. He also inaugurated an Additional Health Facility Centre, dengue and diarrhoea ward set up in Balasore with the help of World Health Organization.
A Centre for Excellence in Lung Disease Treatment in Cuttack and a RT-PCR Test Laboratory in Nabarangpur were also inaugurated by the CM through virtual mode. A sum of Rs 29.41 crore has been spent for the infrastructure facilities.
The CM expressed hope that the new facilities will soon provide services to the people.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to remain careful during Raja and Savitri Brata and observe the festivals by following all Covid rules.