Suparjya swain 
Bhubaneswar: The developmental prowess of the “double-engine government” was on full display today as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, joined Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at a high-profile event at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar to launch a slew of major infrastructure projects.
During the day-long visit, Minister Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 19 road infrastructure projects across the state, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to accelerating Odisha’s development. Two projects worth ₹845 crore were inaugurated, while ground was broken for 17 additional projects with a cumulative estimated investment of ₹3,332 crore.
Reiterating the developmental speed promised by the “double-engine government”—a reference to BJP-led administrations at both the Centre and in the state—Chief Minister Majhi lauded the rapid approvals and strong Centre-State coordination. “Roads are the mirror of a region’s development,” he remarked, affirming his government’s focus on robust infrastructure to attract investment and improve connectivity across Odisha.
In a significant boost, Minister Gadkari approved 13 major road proposals submitted by the Chief Minister on the spot, totaling ₹9,023 crore. These projects include:
-
Kanaktora-Jharsuguda Road (68 km, ₹2,000 crore): A 4-lane stretch designed to eliminate 11 accident-prone black spots and cut travel time from three hours to just one.
-
Badarama Wildlife Area Road (27 km, ₹850 crore)
-
Puri-Konark Link Road (25 km, ₹800 crore)
-
Bhanjapur-Telbani Road (25 km, ₹510 crore)
-
Mohana-Koraput Road (202 km, ₹1,526 crore)
-
Kotar-Motu Road (186 km, ₹1,600 crore)
-
Deogarh-Kherapalli Road (71 km, ₹472 crore)
-
Bridge over Ang River (2 km, ₹350 crore)
-
Podamari-Mohana Road (29 km, ₹350 crore)
-
Bridge over Tel River in Kalahandi (2 km, ₹92 crore)
-
Sonepur Bypass (9 km, ₹178 crore)
-
Aska Bypass (11 km, ₹175 crore)
-
Kolabira Bypass (5 km, ₹120 crore)
Addressing the large gathering, Gadkari revealed that road projects worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore are currently underway in the state. Of these, ₹60,000 crore worth of projects have already been completed, an equal amount is under execution, and ₹75,000 crore worth of works are on the horizon. Over the next two years, Odisha is expected to see infrastructure investments totaling ₹3 lakh crore.
In a further boost, Gadkari approved the Chief Minister’s request for ₹800 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and announced an additional ₹200 crore from his own MP fund, bringing the total allocation to ₹1,000 crore for road development.
The Union Minister also greenlit eight major bypass projects worth ₹5,000 crore in key cities and districts including Berhampur, Sambalpur, Balangir, Nayagarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, Phulbani, and Rayagada.
“Since the new government under Chief Minister Majhi has taken charge, Odisha’s development has picked up pace. Every proposal from the state will be cleared promptly,” Gadkari assured.
Highlighting the government’s infrastructure vision, Chief Minister Majhi announced the creation of the Odisha State Highway Authority and an ambitious plan to build 75,000 km of world-class roads in the next five years. “From urban roads to panchayat-level connectivity, no part of Odisha will be left behind,” he declared.
The event saw attendance from several dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Forest and Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, along with other MPs and MLAs.
With the launch and approval of these extensive road projects, Odisha is poised for a transformative infrastructure overhaul that is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and drive economic growth across the state.
