Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg chairs the infrastructure task force meeting, directing time-bound execution of key roads, irrigation, and rail projects
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has directed officials to remove execution bottlenecks and accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure projects, stressing that infrastructure remains a priority in the state’s annual budget.
The sixth meeting of the Task Force on Infrastructure Implementation was held at Lok Seva Bhawan under her chairmanship. Senior secretaries and district collectors attended the meeting, with some joining virtually.
The meeting reviewed the progress of major projects highlighted during the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI meetings, along with ongoing road works, National Highway projects and major industrial and water resources schemes. The Industries Department presented details of project execution, challenges and remedial measures, while district collectors reported on project progress and land acquisition.
The Jharsuguda–Barpali–Sardega Phase-II rail connectivity project was also reviewed.
The Water Resources Department presented timelines for various irrigation projects. Progress on the Kanupur irrigation project was reported to be satisfactory, and officials were directed to complete the main and branch canal works promptly.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the Turi Guntat Diversion Weir Barrage in Nabarangpur, Upper Udanti Barrage in Nuapada, Gobindpalli Integrated River Dam in Malkangiri and Piplapanka Dam in Ganjam. She directed the concerned departments to ensure their completion within stipulated timelines.
The National Highway Wing of the Works Department briefed the Task Force on road construction and widening, land acquisition, compensatory afforestation and distribution of compensation along several corridors. Key stretches reviewed included Kuakhia–Mangalpur, Baliguda–Mulakani, the Titilagarh city bypass, Koksara–Nabarangpur and the Daringbadi ghat section.
Projects being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India were also examined, including the 17-km Banarpal–Godibandha road, the Cuttack–Kandarpur link and sections of the Capital Region Ring Road. Issues relating to land compensation and other operational matters were discussed.
The Chief Secretary commended the district collectors for their efforts and directed all concerned officials to resolve the remaining issues within fixed timelines so that project execution and delivery could be expedited.