Bhubaneswar, 19 January (H.S.): The Odisha Works Department on Monday held a high-level review meeting on four key road infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the state’s road network and boosting regional connectivity.
Chairing the meeting at the departmental conference hall, Principal Secretary of the Works Department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, said that the government is prioritising the development of a robust and integrated road network across the state. He highlighted that the initiative is aligned with the vision of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to accelerate overall development through improved connectivity.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the progress of the proposed 111-kilometre-long Capital Region Ring Road around Bhubaneswar. Singh directed engineers and departmental officers to expedite the project, stressing the need for early completion of forest and environment clearances as well as land acquisition.
A key focus was also laid on easing traffic congestion in Cuttack city and establishing a direct road link between Bhubaneswar and Jagatsinghpur–Paradip. For this purpose, the Principal Secretary instructed officials to prepare the alignment plan and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new Greenfield road from near Dhakulei Peetha to Kandarpur. Once completed, the road will allow commuters to travel from Bhubaneswar to Jagatsinghpur and Paradip without passing through Cuttack, significantly reducing travel distance and time.
The meeting further reviewed the 206-kilometre-long Mohana–Koraput road widening project. Officials were directed to speed up land acquisition and execute the project as per the approved DPR. Similar instructions were issued for the upgradation and widening of the Khordha–Nayagarh road.
The meeting was attended by Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Lakshmikant Padhi, MoRTH Regional Officer Sunil Kumar, the Chief Engineer of National Highways (Odisha), and other senior officers.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
