Odisha Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has asked officials and engineers to prioritise sustainability, quality and the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, in construction projects across the state. Chairing a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday, the minister said the state faces no shortage of funds for development works and emphasised the need to adopt advanced construction practices and successful models followed by developed countries to keep pace with changing times.
The meeting reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects, including National Highway works, the Bhubaneswar traffic management project, the Puri heritage corridor, proposed elevated roads at multiple locations, the Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road, the renovation of the Gundicha Temple and the construction of environmentally friendly buildings.
Harichandan said the adoption of new technologies, knowledge and construction techniques has improved project execution, making the process more efficient and faster. However, he stressed that faster execution should not compromise the durability or quality of the projects. Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh participated in the meeting and suggested measures to accelerate project implementation in line with the state government’s priorities. OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Engineer-in-Chief and Special Secretary Samir Hota, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Financial Adviser Ratikanta Mahapatra, Additional Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sahoo, along with senior engineers and departmental officials, were also present.