Bhubaneswar: With the 84th annual session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) on the horizon, Odisha’s Works Department is pulling out all the stops to ensure the event’s success.
Under the direct supervision of Minister of Works, Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan, and Principal Secretary of Works, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, a dedicated “Team Works” is meticulously planning every detail for the November 7-10 session at Janata Maidan.
The leadership duo is actively working on the specifics of the event, which is expected to attract central ministers, high-ranking officials, and engineering experts from across the nation. The IRC session is seen as a pivotal opportunity for Odisha to showcase its progress in road infrastructure and secure a major central grant for development.
Minister Shri Harichandan, who recently stated the state’s goal of completing ₹2,000 crore worth of road construction by September to earn central grants, views the IRC as a crucial platform to further this objective.
The state government has ambitious plans, including the development of a 75,000 km road network through the newly formed Odisha State Highways Authority (SHAI).
State officials are hoping that hosting the IRC session will lead to a significant central grant for road development in Odisha. The state’s current “double-engine government” (referring to the same political party being in power at both the state and central levels) is seen as a factor that could increase the likelihood of receiving substantial funding.
In a recent development, the central government has already approved a large-scale project for Odisha: the ₹8,307 crore, 6-lane Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass), to be developed on a Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). This project aims to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.
Principal Secretary Works, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh is reported to be working closely with his team to finalize logistics, technical sessions, and the overall agenda. The focus is on a wide-ranging discussion on new road construction technologies, with Odisha’s innovative use of thermal power plant ash and plastic waste expected to be a key highlight. The conference will also delve into strategies for improving connectivity in remote and Maoist-affected regions.
The synergy between the political and administrative leadership, headed by Minister Shri Harichandan and Shri Singh, is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to leverage the IRC session for maximum benefit. Authorities are confident that a well-organized and impactful conference will pave the way for a new era of road development in Odisha.