Bhubaneswar: Principal Secretary Works, Sanjay Kumar Singh brought out a Gazette notification on formation of Odisha State Highways Authority (OSHA).
“No.9443─07584000012024/W.─ In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of Section 1 of the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025 (Odisha Act No. 04 of 2025), the State Government do hereby appoint the dated 14th day of May, 2025 as the date on which the said Act shall come into force”.
The gazette notification marks a significant step towards the establishment of the Odisha State Highways Authority (OSHA). This development follows the prior approval granted by the State Cabinet, recognizing the escalating demand for the expansion and efficient management of road infrastructure within Odisha.
Establishment of the Odisha State Highways Authority:
The notified Act formally establishes OSHA as an autonomous body. This designation is crucial as it grants the authority a degree of independence in its operations and decision-making processes, allowing it to function with greater efficiency and flexibility compared to a purely governmental department.
Modelled on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):
A key aspect highlighted in the notification is that OSHA will be structured on the lines of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This indicates a strategic intent to adopt a proven and successful model for highway development and management. Drawing inspiration from NHAI suggests that OSHA will likely possess similar powers and functions, including:
- Planning and Development: Identifying, planning, and designing state highway projects.
- Land Acquisition: Facilitating the acquisition of land necessary for highway development.
- Project Implementation: Overseeing the construction, maintenance, and operation of state highways.
- Financial Autonomy: Managing its own finances, potentially through various funding mechanisms.
- Regulation and Toll Collection: Implementing and managing toll collection on designated state highways.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engaging with the private sector for infrastructure development through PPP models.
- Ensuring Quality Standards: Setting and enforcing quality standards for highway construction and maintenance.
Rationale for the Formation of OSHA:
The notification underscores that the formation of OSHA is driven by the increasing need for expanding road infrastructure in Odisha. This necessity likely stems from factors such as:
- Economic Growth: The state’s economic development necessitates a robust and efficient transportation network to facilitate trade, commerce, and industrial growth.
- Population Growth and Urbanization: Rising population and increasing urbanization put pressure on existing road infrastructure, demanding expansion and upgrades.
- Connectivity and Accessibility: Enhancing connectivity between different regions within the state is crucial for social and economic integration.
- Safety and Efficiency: Modernizing and expanding the highway network can lead to improved road safety and reduced travel times.
Implications and Expected Outcomes:
The establishment of OSHA is expected to have several significant implications for Odisha’s infrastructure landscape:
- Accelerated Highway Development: As an autonomous body with a focused mandate, OSHA is likely to expedite the planning and execution of state highway projects.
- Improved Efficiency and Management: The specialized nature of OSHA, modeled after NHAI, suggests a more efficient and professional approach to highway management.
- Enhanced Funding Opportunities: Autonomy may enable OSHA to explore diverse funding sources, including market borrowings and private sector investment.
- Higher Quality Infrastructure: By setting and enforcing stringent quality standards, OSHA can contribute to the development of more durable and safer highways.
- Attraction of Investment: A well-managed and expanding highway network can attract further investment into the state’s economy.
The gazette notification of the Odisha State Highways Authority Act marks a pivotal moment in the state’s infrastructure development. By establishing an autonomous body modeled on the successful NHAI framework, the government aims to address the growing need for expanded and high-quality road infrastructure.
The move is expected to streamline project implementation, enhance efficiency in highway management, and ultimately contribute significantly to the economic growth and connectivity of Odisha. The operationalization of OSHA will be closely watched as it embarks on the crucial task of transforming the state’s highway network.