Bhubaneswar: Angul district is poised for a significant infrastructure overhaul following a formal proposal by Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan to Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. In a written communication, Pradhan emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the transport network in the region to match its rapid industrial growth and substantial mineral production.
The proposal focuses on several critical projects, most notably the expansion of State Highway-63. The plan suggests widening the existing two-lane stretch between Chhendipada and Angul into a four-lane corridor. Additionally, the Union Minister recommended the construction of bypasses in densely populated areas to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for local residents. The initiative also includes the expansion of the main road connecting the Chhendipada-Jarapada district route to National Highway-55 and the regional railway corridor.
These infrastructure improvements are seen as essential for managing the district’s booming coal sector. Currently a major contributor to the state economy, Angul is expected to see its coal production rise from 250 million tonnes to 300 million tonnes annually by the year 2033. Improving the road and rail connectivity is expected to streamline the movement of minerals and industrial goods, reducing logistics bottlenecks.
Beyond industrial efficiency, the expansion is intended to drive socio-economic development for the local population. By modernizing the transit network, the project aims to improve daily commuting, enhance the overall lifestyle of the common people, and create new economic opportunities within the district. This strategic development marks a collaborative effort to ensure that Angul’s infrastructure keeps pace with its vital role in Odisha’s economic future.