Nitin Gadkari Announces Mega Infrastructure Projects Worth Over ₹8,000 Cr for Odisha

Puri: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari unveiled ambitious infrastructure plans for Odisha in a public meeting held in Puri district today. The minister announced that construction work on a proposed 111 Km-long, 6-lane Ring Road in Bhubaneswar will commence in October 2024. The estimated cost of this green field highway ring road project is a staggering Rs 6,500 Crore.

According to Gadkari, upon completion, the Ring Road will significantly benefit the residents of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khurda by reducing commute times by approximately an hour and a half. Additionally, he revealed plans for a 35 Km-long, 4-lane green field Ring Road in Sambalpur, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,333 Crore. This project, also set to begin construction in October 2024, aims to alleviate traffic congestion from Rourkela to Cuttack.

Highlighting Odisha’s coastal strengths, the Union Minister expressed his commitment to boosting the state’s fishery production by 7-8 times. He assured local fishermen that these projects would substantially enhance their financial standing and earning potential.

Furthermore, Gadkari confirmed that the decision to establish an airport in Paradip, with an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, has also been finalised.

The Union Minister’s visit to Puri was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign efforts, seeking voter support for their MP and MLA candidates in the upcoming twin elections.