Bhubaneswar: In a strategic move to overhaul the transportation network of Odisha, the state government has initiated a high-level review to fast-track several National Highway and infrastructure projects.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Principal Secretary, Department of Works has directed District Collectors, Officers, and Chief Engineers to accelerate land acquisition, forest clearance approvals, and the tendering process to avoid delays.
The review meeting focused on several flagship projects that are expected to redefine connectivity in the region. A major highlight was the 111 km long Capital Region Ring Road project, which is designed to provide a high-speed bypass for the twin cities.
Other vital projects scrutinized during the session included the 160 km Coastal Highway Project, the 35 km Sambalpur Bypass Road, the 21 km Cuttack-Kanderpur Road, and the 17 km Bangarpal-Godiband Road.
Beyond new launches, the department addressed specific challenges affecting 32 ongoing projects. These include critical stretches such as Cuttack-Angul, Duburi-Chandikhol, and Chandikhol-Paradip, as well as works on NH 49 along the Bahargoda-Singhar route.
Principal Secretary Shri Singh, recognized for his strict adherence to timelines, emphasized that land acquisition issues should be resolved under the direct leadership of District Collectors to ensure that projects do not stall.
The session also encompassed a progress review of various Railway Overbridge (ROB) projects across the state. Officials discussed the status of construction and the specific obstacles, such as utility shifting and technical clearances, that have slowed progress in certain zones.
With a clear mandate from the government to complete all construction within stipulated timeframes, Principal Secretary Shri Singh urged all stakeholders to maintain momentum.
The meeting saw participation from District Magistrates of Cuttack, Khordha, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj, along with senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India and the Railways.