Bhubaneswar, 03 July (H.S.): With the annual Rath Yatra expected to draw lakhs of devotees to Puri, the Odisha government has intensified preparations to ensure smooth traffic management and a hassle-free experience for pilgrims. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has underscored the need for well-organised movement of devotees, while Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has directed officials to expedite related infrastructure works.

In this context, Principal Secretary (Works Department) Sanjay Kumar Singh has been regularly visiting Puri to review the progress of the Matia Pada Railway Over Bridge (ROB), which plays a crucial role in easing entry and exit traffic in the pilgrim city during the Rath Yatra.

During his latest visit on Thursday, Singh inspected the construction site and held discussions with officials engaged in the project. He noted that the launching of bow-string girders has been successfully completed, while directing that deck slab casting over the bow-string girders be completed at the earliest. He also stressed the need to expedite the launching and deck slab work of the remaining PSC girder span.

The Principal Secretary further instructed that all service road construction linked to the ROB must be completed before the Rath Yatra to ensure seamless traffic movement. He emphasised that the site should be made fully operational and traffic-worthy in time for the festival.

Singh also directed authorities and executing agencies to remove construction materials and debris from the site, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and proper maintenance of the surrounding areas.

Senior officials, including the Chief Engineer (National Highways), Superintending Engineer (NH Division), and other project officers, were present during the review visit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda