The Network Planning Group, a key component of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, has recently approved two major highway projects in Odisha
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Network Planning Group (NPG), a key component of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, has recently approved two major highway projects in Odisha during a meeting held in New Delhi. This decision comes as part of a broader review of 18 projects, with the Sambalpur Ring Road and the Cuttack-Paradip corridor emerging as significant highlights. With these approvals, the total number of sanctioned highway projects in Odisha has now reached 6 within just the past month, indicating a robust push towards enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The Sambalpur Ring Road project is designed as a four-lane highway that will span 35.38 kilometers. This initiative aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the region while simultaneously promoting industrial growth and development. As a Greenfield project, it is budgeted at an impressive Rs 13.33 billion, and construction is expected to commence shortly, marking a pivotal step towards improving local infrastructure.
In parallel, the Cuttack-Paradip corridor is another ambitious four-lane project that will cover a distance of 86.79 kilometers. This corridor is poised to enhance critical connectivity to key economic centers, including the Paradip port, which is vital for trade and commerce. Additionally, it will serve as a crucial link to other major highways, thereby playing a significant role in the socio-economic advancement of the region.
Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also green lit four additional highway projects in Odisha, with a total investment of Rs 150 billion. Among these projects are the six-lane Bhubaneswar-Puri highway and the Chandikhole-Barbil corridor, both of which are expected to further bolster the state’s transportation network.
In a proactive move, Odisha has submitted proposals for 4 more national highway projects, including the Jharsuguda-Balasore and Nuapada-Astaranga highways. These proposals are currently awaiting approval from the central government, reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding its highway infrastructure.
An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has indicated that the two newly approved projects will soon transition into the bidding phase, following the acquisition of the necessary statutory clearances. This aligns with the overarching goals of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, which seeks to enhance multimodal infrastructure and improve last-mile connectivity across the country. The swift progression of these projects underscores the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and improving transportation efficiency in Odisha.
