Odisha govt clears over Rs 150 crore for ring road along Ib River in Sundargarh town

The Odisha government has sanctioned the construction of a protective embankment-cum-ring road along the Ib River in Sundargarh town under the Comprehensive Flood Management (CFM) scheme.

The project is aimed at bolstering flood defence infrastructure while easing connectivity across the district headquarters and is estimated to be worth Rs 150.63 crore, according to The New Indian Express.

Further, as per a government communication dated November 4, the Water Resources Department granted formal administrative approval for the project, which will run along the left bank of the Ib River between Bhojpur and Bandhpali.

Notably, the TNIE reports stated that the Finance Department has already conveyed concurrence for fund allocation, provided that at least 15 percent of the sanctioned amount is earmarked in the upcoming state budget.

The project will be financed under the CFM scheme, which supports critical river protection and flood mitigation works across Odisha.

Broader Push for Western Odisha Infrastructure

The approval follows a recent series of high-level reviews on infrastructure and flood-control measures across western Odisha. In September, Prime Minister’s adviser Tarun Kapoor visited Sambalpur to assess the progress of major regional projects, including the Sambalpur Ring Road and tourism-linked development near Hirakud Dam.

During his visit, Kapoor had urged district and state officials to expedite implementation under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and ensure the timely execution of civic and heritage redevelopment initiatives.

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The Ib River embankment project adds to the state’s ongoing push to modernise flood management systems in western Odisha, complementing parallel upgrades in the Mahanadi basin and other critical river catchments.