Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired the 6th Task Force meeting today at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall to review the implementation of various infrastructure development projects in Odisha. At the start of the meeting, the progress of key infrastructure projects emphasized by the Prime Minister in “PRAGATI” meetings was evaluated. The review covered ongoing construction of significant road infrastructure, national highway projects, and major initiatives in the industrial and water resources sectors.
The Chief Secretary stated that the state budget consistently prioritizes infrastructure, noting that these large-scale projects are vital for the development of the state. She directed officials to expedite project work by resolving existing implementation issues promptly.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner Shri Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Industry and I&PR, Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, PCCF & HOFF Dr.K Murugesan and Principal Secretaries from the Works, Water Resources, and Commerce and Transport departments. Other attendees included the Managing Director of IDCO, Regional Officer of NHAI, and senior state officials. Collectors from various concerned districts participated via video conferencing.
Discussions focused on the progress of major industrial projects across different districts. ACS Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted implementation challenges and proposed solutions, while discussions with district collectors focused on remaining tasks and necessary steps to ensure timely completion. Specific attention was given to land acquisition and progress for the Jharsuguda and Barpali-Sardega Phase-2 rail connectivity.
Principal Secretary Works, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh presented updates on National Highway branch projects, including road construction on the Kuakhia-Mangalpur stretch, the Baliguda-Mulakani road, and bypass roads for Titlagarh, Rairangpur, and Dharmagarh. Other projects discussed included the widening of the Koksara-Nabarangpur road, the Daringbadi Ghat road, and the expansion of the Mohana-Raipanka-Tandikona highway. Issues related to land acquisition, compensatory afforestation, and payment of compensation were addressed to clear hurdles.
Regarding the Water Resources Department, Principal Secretary Smt.Subha Sharma presented data on various irrigation projects. It was noted that work on the Kanupur project is progressing satisfactorily, with instructions given to finalize the main and branch canals soon. Progress was also reviewed for the Turi-Guntat diversion barrage in Nabarangpur, the Upper Udanti barrage in Nuapada, the Govindpalli integrated dam project in Malkangiri, and the Pipalpanka dam in Ganjam.
The Chief Secretary praised the cooperation of district collectors in executing these critical projects and urged them to continue their efforts to resolve pending issues within a fixed timeframe. Additionally, projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), such as the 17-km Banarpal-Godibandha road, the Cuttack-Kandarpur road, and various phases of the Capital Region Ring Road, were reviewed with a focus on land acquisition compensation and technical solutions.