DPR for Rs 7,000Cr inner ring road & elevated corridor in Bhubaneswar soon

The Odisha Government has plans for vital infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar. Drawing inspiration from urban planning model employed in Uttar Pradesh, elevated road corridor and inner ring road projects are afoot, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Sunday.

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This elevated corridor project stretching from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan is expected to address the heavy traffic flow particularly concentrated around Jayadev Vihar.

With total estimated cost of around Rs 7,000 Crore, the significant projects aim to elevate Bhubaneswar and Cuttack twin cities to an 'A' Grade status. As per the ambitious plan, a 142-kilometre ring road will be constructed to spur lateral expansion of the city.

Key junctions in the city such as Kalinga Hospital Square, Chandrasekharpur, Patia, Damana, and Raghunathpur will be interconnected through the elevated corridor, aiding in the effective management of the city's burgeoning traffic. A three-tier roadway system is also planned, integrating a metro line overhead.

Approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has paved the way for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in collaboration with Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC). Enhanced road surfaces, using Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA), will be implemented at strategic intersections to ensure smoother travel.

However, urban planning experts have cautioned that the addition of flyovers and elevated roads alone may not fully resolve traffic issues.

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The need for alternative routes from Jaydev Vihar highlights the importance of a comprehensive traffic management strategy.

“The elevated corridor will have four lanes in addition to the existing four lanes. Whatever requirements are there to make Bhubaneswar an ‘A’ Grade city, we will go for them,” the Works Minister said while briefing to mediapersons.