Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to accelerate the transformation of the state’s physical landscape, Principal Secretary of the Works Department, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, played a central role in a high-level review meeting chaired by Minister Works Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan. The meeting, held at the Lokseva Bhawan conference room, focused on the rigorous monitoring and execution of mega-infrastructure projects each valued at over 50 crore rupees.
Principal Secretary Shri Singh has been instrumental in aligning these large-scale developments with the state’s strategic growth goals. The review covered a comprehensive portfolio of 86 active projects, including 29 National Highway initiatives, 21 projects under the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC), 12 major road works, 12 bridges, and 12 building projects.
Shri Singh’s oversight is particularly focused on high-priority connectivity and heritage initiatives. Key among these are the Puri Historical Project and the Puri-Konark road, which are essential for the state’s tourism and cultural preservation. Other critical projects under his departmental supervision include the Khordha, Nayagarh, Jaipur, and Bolangir bypass roads, as well as the Kandarpur-Balikuda thoroughfare. These bypasses are designed to decongest urban centers and facilitate smoother freight and passenger movement across regional hubs.
The infrastructure push also extends to social and governance sectors, including the Ekamra Area Development Project, the SCB Medical College redevelopment, and the construction of a new MLA colony. Furthermore, the development of the Maatareni and Sarala shrines highlights a commitment to integrating modern infrastructure with spiritual heritage.
A core focus of the technical review was the construction of high-level bridges across major rivers such as the Baitarani, Brahmani, and Oil. Shri Singh and the departmental leadership emphasized that meeting project deadlines is non-negotiable. He is working closely with EIC Civil Satyabrat Behera and other senior engineers to ensure that contracting agencies address bottlenecks promptly to serve the general public’s needs.
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials from the National Highway Authority and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, underscoring the collaborative effort led by Shri Singh to synchronize state and central resources for Odisha’s development.