Odisha’s highways to be transformed into American standards: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, during a public address at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar, reaffirmed the Centre’s ambitious infrastructure roadmap for Odisha, stating that the state’s highways will soon match those of the United States in quality and scale.

Gadkari, who expressed gratitude for visiting the land of Lord Jagannath, underlined that road connectivity forms the bedrock of national development. Asserting that over Rs 2 lakh crore worth of road infrastructure projects are currently in progress across Odisha, he highlighted a slew of key initiatives.

The Union Minister unveiled a series of significant road infrastructure projects in Odisha, collectively valued at more than Rs 4,000 crore. The initiative includes the launch of 19 highway projects, which are aimed at bolstering the state's connectivity and economic potential.

Spanning around 154 kilometres, these projects promise to enhance transportation links across the region, facilitating smoother journeys for residents and businesses alike. This development marks a key part of the central government's strategy to spur economic growth by improving road facilities and accessibility for the public.

Rs 2 lakh crore Highway Projects in Odisha

"We have to develop world-standard infrastructure in water, power, transport, and communication for the development of the State. Odisha is rich in good ports, minerals, forests, and wildlife. Tourism can get a boost because of these factors. The development of road infrastructure is very important for the development of all these sectors. The Union government is currently executing Rs 2 lakh crore highway projects in Odisha. We have finished projects worth Rs 60,000 crore, projects worth Rs 60,000 crore are in progress, and projects worth Rs 75,000 crore are on the anvil in the State. We are preparing a DPR worth around Rs 40,000 crore. I want to assure that we will complete projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore in the next two years, and Odisha's road infrastructure will be at par with America,” Gadkari said in his address. 

Project Details Outlined

“We have planned many big express highways, and among those are Raipur- Visakhapatnam six lane economic corridor spanning 464 km worth around Rs 20,000 crore that is expected to be completed in September 2026. Around 241km corridor worth Rs 8,000 crore in Odisha will be completed in December 2025. Ranchi-Sambalpur four lane corridor spanning 150km worth Rs 8000 crore will be completed by December 2028. The distance between Ranchi and Sambalpur will be reduced by 65 km because of the project. Cuttack-Angul-Sambalpur four lane economic corridor spanning 262km worth Rs 5000 crore will be completed by June 2025," said Gadkari.

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Bhubaneswar Ring Road & Chilika Bridge

"Chandikhole-Paradip eight lane economic corridor spanning 77km worth Rs 4000 crore will be completed by December 2026. It will reduce travel time from two hours to one. The project aims to drastically improve logistics efficiency and economic connectivity to the eastern coast. Connectivity of the industrial corridor with Paradip port will improve due to the project. The Chandigarh-Barbil six lane greenfield highway spanning 200km worth Rs 6000 crore will be awarded next year and DPR of the project has already been prepared. It will be very useful for the transportation of steel and magnesium from Barbil. A six lane ring road will be constructed in Bhubaneswar and the department has already given its approval for it. Following its approval in the cabinet, the project will be awarded. The Chief Minister of Odisha has demanded 13 new projects worth Rs 9000 crore, and these projects have been approved. Better connectivity will be provided to JK Paper Mill, NALCO, IMFA, and Utkal Aluminum Plant. Tender process for Deogarh-Khairapalli 2 lane road spanning 71 km worth Rs 472 crore will be completed soon," he further said.

The tender process for the bridge over the Tel river in Kalahandi district will be completed soon. Connectivity between Kalahandi and Bolangir will improve due to the bridge. DPR for the two-lane road spanning 9 km in Sonepur has already been prepared, and the project work will start soon. DPR for the bridge over Chilika Lake worth Rs 500 crore will be completed soon," he added.