Dikhyaa Mohanty 
According to Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Odisha’s road infrastructure development is accelerating. The state government has reviewed the status of 48 significant National Highway projects and announced the completion of 49 projects totaling ₹1,721 crore.
Under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in keeping with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s dedication to infrastructure development, the state is making notable progress in bolstering its road network, according to Harichandan, who chaired a review meeting at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Hall. 48 National Highway-related projects, each anticipated to cost more over ₹50 crore, were examined during the conference. While stressing the necessity of methodical planning and coordinated efforts by departmental officials, Harichandan stated that the Central Government is still prepared to provide Odisha with more funding for infrastructure development.
Following the meeting, the minister told the reporters that 49 finished projects totaling ₹1,721 crore will soon be launched. Additionally, he disclosed that 47 additional projects totaling ₹12,102 crore will soon have their foundation stones set. In order to speed up project execution, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Works Department, advised engineers and bureaucrats to increase efficiency in crucial areas such land acquisition, forest clearances, utility moving, project planning and design, and interdepartmental coordination.
The review covered 30 ongoing projects, 14 projects awaiting work orders, and four projects currently in the tendering stage. Major projects discussed included the Bhajanagar-Aska Road, Riamal Bypass Road, Berhampur Bypass, Khariar Road Rail Over Bridge (ROB), Puri-Matiapada ROB, Nayagarh Bypass, Keshinga ROB, high-level bridge on the Malkangiri-Motu Road, Kandarpur-Balikuda Road, Kotpad Bypass, Kuakhia-Mangalpur Road, Titlagarh Bypass, high-level bridges over the Baitarani and Tel rivers, Nabarangpur Bypass, Jharsuguda Bypass, Rairangpur Bypass and Dasapalla Bypass.
