Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to overhaul the state’s transportation infrastructure, the Principal Secretary, Department of Works, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, is spearheading the acceleration of 166 Railway Over Bridge (ROB) projects across Odisha. This initiative aligns with the substantial financial support provided by Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, who has been channeling record-breaking funds into the state’s railway sector to modernize connectivity and public safety.
A hardworking mandarin, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh chaired a high-level review meeting on 20 January with senior officials from the East Coast Railway and the Works Department to address the stagnant progress of these projects. Acknowledging that Railway Over Bridges are essential for reducing traffic congestion and protecting life and property, Shri Singh emphasized that these projects must now be executed in a strictly time-bound manner.
To overcome past delays, the State Government has proactively leveraged the Government of India’s Railway Policy of 2024. Under this framework, a landmark decision has been made to sign a Memorandum of Understanding where the East Coast Railway will construct 96 of these bridges entirely at its own cost. This shift to full central funding for such a large number of projects marks a noteworthy milestone for Odisha at the national level.
To ensure rapid execution on the ground, Principal Secretary Works, Shri Singh has implemented several strategic administrative measures. Nodal officers have been appointed as competent authorities to handle land acquisition for the approach roads of 112 projects, addressing a historical bottleneck in infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the Principal Secretary Shri Singh has called for strengthened coordination between state departments and district administrations to expedite statutory clearances and utility shifting. Detailed discussions during the review focused on maintaining high construction quality and adhering to stipulated timelines to ensure long-term safety standards.
The efforts of the Works Department are being complemented by the massive financial infusion from the Ministry of Railways. Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted that the annual allocation for Odisha has reached unprecedented levels, allowing for more aggressive infrastructure expansion than in previous decades.
With projects worth over seventy-five thousand crore rupees currently underway in the state, Principal Secretary, Shri Singh is ensuring that the Works Department acts as an efficient partner. By streamlining state-level approvals and land processes, he is ensuring that the momentum of central funding translates into faster travel and safer roads for the people of Odisha.
This synergy between the Ministry of Railways and the Odisha Works Department is transforming the state into a hub of infrastructure development. With the Union Government pumping unprecedented funds into new tracks, station modernizations, and safety works, Shri Singh is ensuring the state apparatus works in lockstep to deliver these benefits to the public. The focus remains on completing these 166 rail over bridges in a strictly time-bound manner, reflecting a shared commitment to a modern and safer Odisha.