Odisha is all set to change how people travel, with the launch of 19 major highway projects. These projects, worth ₹4,137 crore, are part of a much larger ₹2 lakh crore plan by the Government of India to improve roads across the country. With this move, Odisha is getting ready to build highways like those in the United States, making travel faster, safer, and smarter.
These new highways are expected to solve many old travel problems in the state. They will also help connect Odisha’s towns and cities with the rest of the country. The main goal is to make travel quicker and support local businesses, industries, and tourism.
According to senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the new projects will cut down travel time and make transport more reliable. In addition, they will help tourists visit famous places more easily and allow goods to move faster from one part of the state to another.
Odisha is rich in natural resources like minerals and forests. Many areas are close to the sea too. These new roads construction will help connect these areas with big cities and ports. This is good for businesses that depend on these natural resources and want to send products across the country or even outside India.
The road projects cover many districts, such as Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh. Some roads will be widened, and new ones will be built. Also, four large bridges with a total length of 4.82 km will be built at a cost of ₹427 crore. These bridges will help people travel even during the rainy season and give better access to areas that are currently hard to reach.
These bridges are being made under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund. Special care is being taken to make sure that the environment is not harmed while building these roads and bridges.
One of the biggest road upgrades will be between Bhubaneswar and Puri. This important highway will be expanded into six lanes at a cost of ₹1,200 crore. Right now, the journey takes about 90 minutes. After the upgrade, it will take only 45 minutes.
This road is very important because it connects to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The state government has also asked for an eight-lane option with service roads to keep the highway useful for many more years.
To make travel easier around the capital city, a big ring road is being planned. This ₹7,000 crore Capital Region Ring Road will go from Rameswaram in Khurda to Tangi in Cuttack. Once built, it will reduce traffic jams in cities and make it easier for trucks and goods to move. Experts in city planning and logistics are happy with this idea, as it will help both people and businesses.
These roads are not just about concrete and speed. The government also plans to make them smart and green. There will be solar lights, tree plantations along the roads, and water recharge systems to protect the environment.
In addition, all new roads will be made following green building rules. Over time, the goal is to make these roads carbon-free. This means they won’t harm the environment even after many years.
Two more important road projects are also in the pipeline. One is a new ₹8,000 crore corridor between Ranchi and Sambalpur. The other is the Chandikhol–Paradip expressway, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
These roads will help factories and businesses move goods easily to and from Odisha’s ports. This will improve trade and help industries grow, especially in the inner parts of the state.
Under the current investment plan, work worth ₹60,000 crore is already going on. Another ₹60,000 crore has already been used to build new roads. On top of that, ₹75,000 crore worth of new projects are being planned.
For example, the Talcher–Kamakhyanagar section of NH-149 has been expanded into four lanes. A part of NH-53 has also been upgraded. These projects cost around ₹800 crore. Underpasses at Balikuda, Sikharpur, and Badachana on NH-16 are now open, making road crossings safer and easier for everyone.
While these roadworks are going on, officials are making sure that nature is protected. Before starting, they are checking how the environment will be affected. They are also talking to local people to understand their needs and concerns.
By linking the projects with the Smart Cities Mission and PM Gati Shakti goals, Odisha is preparing to handle future growth. This means the state can welcome more people, grow its economy, and still stay green and safe.
All these new roads will not just connect cities and towns. They will also connect people to new opportunities. From tourism to trade and from jobs to better living, these roads will help Odisha grow in every way.
As officials say, this development is not just about building highways—it’s about building a better future. With modern, green, and smart roads, Odisha is heading towards a cleaner, smarter, and more connected tomorrow.
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