Bhubaneswar, 02 April (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to personally intervene in strengthening road infrastructure in Angul district to support coal transportation and industrial growth.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Pradhan requested the widening of the Chhendipada–Angul State Highway-63, construction of bypasses, and expansion of the Chhendipada–Jarapada road.
Highlighting the importance of Angul district, the minister noted that the centrally located district has a population of around 1.5 million and contributes nearly 5 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Rich in coal resources, the district currently produces about 116 million tonnes annually, with projections estimating an increase to 250–300 million tonnes by 2033.
Pradhan further pointed out that Angul houses major industrial and energy establishments, including NALCO smelter plant, NTPC Kaniha, Talcher Super Thermal Power Station, and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring the state’s energy security.
He emphasized that the Chhendipada region alone accounts for nearly one-sixth of India’s coal reserves, underscoring its strategic significance. However, the existing road infrastructure—particularly State Highway-63 and the Chhendipada–Jarapada main district road—is inadequate to handle the rising volume of coal transportation.
The minister noted that these roads pass through densely populated areas, leading to frequent traffic congestion, accidents, and growing public dissatisfaction.
To address these challenges, Pradhan proposed two key measures: upgrading State Highway-63 from two lanes to four lanes along with the construction of bypasses in populated areas, and widening the Chhendipada–Jarapada road, which connects mining zones to National Highway-55 and key rail corridors.
He added that these projects would reduce traffic pressure on SH-63, create alternative transport routes, facilitate smoother coal movement, and boost investment while accelerating the socio-economic development of the region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
