Odisha to Construct 15,000 Kms of New Roads Over 5 Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a major road development initiative, with plans to construct 15,000 kms of high-quality roads over the next five years. This was detailed by Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan during the presentation of the department’s grant demands in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

For the current fiscal year, the government has allocated Rs 5,295.12 crore under the Road Development Programme. This budget will facilitate the construction of 2,000 kms of roads and the development of 20 bridges and two Road Over Bridges (ROBs).

Additionally, Rs 700 crore has been earmarked under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This fund will support the construction of 250 kms of rural roads and 10 high-level bridges.

For the Capital Road Development Programme, Rs 236.30 crore has been allocated for 20 kms of road development. Major projects include roads connecting Kelucharna Park-Patia, Patia-Pahala, a four-lane road through Sainik School, Patharagaida-Raghunathpur, a ring road from Patharagadia, and several flyovers.

The Works Department has proposed a Rs 350 crore budget for the Integrated Development of Heritage, Monuments, and Tourist Destinations Programme in 2024-25. Additionally, Rs 50 crore each has been set aside for the SAMALEI project and the EKAMRA Plan.

Further allocations include Rs 431.23 crore for the ABADHA scheme and Rs 410 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund. The RCPLWEA scheme has received Rs 40 crore to enhance road infrastructure in LWE-affected districts like Korpaut, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Phulbani.

The Works Department oversees a total of 29,617 kms of roads, including 4,109 kms of state highways and 22,876 kms of district roads. It also manages the construction and maintenance of 5,753 kms of National Highways (NHs).

Minister Harichandan presented a grant demand of Rs 11,138.25 crore to the Assembly.