Odisha infrastructure development Archives - Odisha Connect

Odisha Approves 23 Industrial Projects Worth ₹4,573 Crore Across 11 Districts

OdishaConnect — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:22:11 +0000

Odisha is set to witness a major boost in industrialisation after the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) approved 23 new investment proposals worth ₹4,573 crore across 11 districts. The projects are expected to generate 22,873 employment opportunities in sectors including textiles, green energy, healthcare, tourism, information technology, food processing and manufacturing.

The approvals were granted during the 148th meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.

The projects will be established in Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Angul, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Balangir and Nuapada, promoting balanced industrial growth while creating jobs for local communities.

A major highlight is HCL Technologies’ proposal to invest ₹730 crore in setting up a Global Development Centre in Khordha. The project alone is expected to create 6,000 jobs, significantly strengthening Odisha’s IT ecosystem.

The textile and apparel sector is expected to emerge as the largest employment generator. Three ready-made garment manufacturing units in Puri and one textile manufacturing facility in Balangir have received approval. Together, these four projects are projected to create more than 10,000 jobs.

The SLSWCA also cleared projects in green energy, battery manufacturing, chemicals, food processing, steel, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, logistics, healthcare and tourism, reflecting the state’s focus on diversified industrial growth.

Among the key healthcare projects is a 300-bed multi-speciality hospital in Cuttack. The tourism sector will see the development of five-star hotels in Cuttack and Sambalpur, along with a luxury resort in Khordha.

In Nuapada, an investment of ₹250 crore has been approved for the establishment of an oil refinery and a cashew processing unit, which are expected to generate around 1,150 jobs.

The Odisha government said the latest round of approvals reinforces its commitment to attracting investment, accelerating industrial development and creating large-scale employment opportunities across the state.

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Odisha Government, IFC Sign Advisory Pact to Boost PPP Projects and Private Investment

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:58:30 +0000

The Odisha Government and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on Friday signed a Programmatic Transaction Advisory Services Agreement (TASA) to strengthen public-private partnership (PPP) projects and attract greater private investment into the state.

The agreement was signed at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The partnership aims to provide programmatic advisory services for the implementation of key infrastructure projects and enhance Odisha’s PPP ecosystem.

Focus on ‘Viksit Odisha-2036’

Addressing the event, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said mobilising private capital is essential to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Odisha-2036’. She said increased private sector participation in priority sectors would accelerate infrastructure development and help Odisha strengthen its position at both the national and global levels.

Garg also highlighted IFC’s role as a knowledge partner in building a stronger PPP framework and supporting the state’s long-term development goals.

IFC Reaffirms Commitment to Odisha

Speaking at the event, Shalabh Tandon, IFC’s Regional Industry Head and Acting Regional Director for South Asia, said working with the Odisha Government remains one of IFC’s key priorities.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration would enable IFC to deliver greater expertise and more effective advisory support for infrastructure development and investment promotion in the state.

$2 Billion Worth of Projects to Be Identified

Under the agreement, IFC will help establish a stronger institutional framework for PPP projects while encouraging private investment in Odisha’s major infrastructure sectors.

Over the next one year, IFC is expected to identify around 20 priority projects with an estimated investment potential of US$2 billion.

The identified projects will focus on key sectors, including:

Renewable energy
Power and energy infrastructure
Logistics and transportation
Urban infrastructure
E-mobility
Other priority infrastructure sectors

Strengthening Odisha’s Investment Ecosystem

Officials said the partnership is expected to improve project planning, transaction advisory, and implementation support for large infrastructure projects. The initiative is also aimed at creating a more investor-friendly environment, enabling Odisha to attract higher levels of private investment and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

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Odisha Unveils Master Plan to Become Eastern India’s Leading Industrial Hub

OdishaConnect — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:59:19 +0000

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has presented a major roadmap to transform the state into the most industrially developed state in Eastern India. Addressing the CII Eastern Regional Council Conference held in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister announced major reforms in the state’s industrial policy along with the launch of the ambitious ‘Go East’ platform aimed at accelerating inclusive industrial growth.

Under the Go East initiative, the state government will establish a high-level special task force to fast-track investment projects and ensure smoother implementation. A dedicated ‘Go Swift’ module will also be introduced to enable real-time monitoring and tracking of investment proposals and approval processes.

The Chief Minister said the initiative will encourage maximum investment in Odisha’s border districts and help create new industrial growth centres across the state. He also informed that amendments have been made to the Industrial Policy Resolution-2022, which will open up new opportunities for setting up non-mineral-based industries in 15 key districts, including economically backward regions such as Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh and Gajapati.

Highlighting Odisha’s future growth potential, Majhi said India’s economic expansion had largely depended on western and southern corridors for decades, but the next major chapter of the country’s development story would be written in Eastern India. He stated that the government’s vision is to connect ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’ with ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and make Odisha one of the most investment-friendly destinations in the country.

The Chief Minister revealed that since June 2024, the Odisha government has approved around 477 projects involving investments of nearly ₹9.5 lakh crore, which are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 6 lakh people.

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain also stressed the importance of youth empowerment and skill development for industrial growth. Earlier, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma presented Odisha’s industrial progress and investment achievements before CII members.

The conference was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders and representatives, including EPICOL Managing Director Aboli Sunil Naravane, CII Eastern Regional Vice Chairman Rudra Chatterjee and Odisha Council Chairman Anil Kumar Singh.

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Centre Approves Road Projects Worth Over ₹769 Crore for Odisha Infrastructure Boost

OdishaConnect — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:36:42 +0000

Major Push for Road Connectivity Across Odisha

In a major boost to Odisha’s road infrastructure, the Central Government has approved more than ₹769 crore for 10 important road and bridge projects across the state. The projects have been sanctioned under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2026-27.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari through social media platform X for approving the projects.

The Chief Minister stated that these projects would bring transformative changes to transportation and connectivity, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions of Odisha.

Flyovers Approved for Berhampur City

Among the major projects approved, two important flyovers have been sanctioned for Berhampur city in Ganjam district.

A flyover from Tata Benz Square to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur will be constructed at a cost of over ₹146 crore. Another flyover from Giriroad Square to Old Bus Stand in Berhampur has been approved with an estimated cost of more than ₹168.26 crore.

These projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility in the city.

Key Road and Bridge Projects Across Districts

Several important road widening, strengthening, and improvement works have also been approved across multiple districts of Odisha.

Jharsuguda District

A project worth over ₹52.69 crore has been approved for construction of the Dalgan-Tilia and Charpali Dangaghat road along with the Rampela approach bridge.

Koraput District

Semiliguda-Handiput road improvement project: ₹38.46 crore
Lamtaput-Machkund road improvement project: ₹15.20 crore

Nabarangpur District

The Umerkote-Chandahandi-Malgaon road will be widened at a cost of over ₹32.62 crore.

Gajapati District

Adaba-Paniganda road widening project: ₹45.52 crore
Ramgiri-Jirang-Narayanpur road strengthening project: ₹24.80 crore

Nuapada District

The Khariar Road-Amodi-Beltukuri road widening project has been approved with an investment of over ₹61.11 crore.

Balasore District

A major road improvement project worth over ₹184.97 crore has been sanctioned for the Jaleswar-Batagram-Chandaneswar road.

Focus on Rural and Remote Connectivity

The Odisha Government stated that the projects will significantly improve transportation facilities from remote tribal regions to coastal districts. Better road infrastructure is expected to enhance access to education, healthcare, trade, and business activities.

The projects are also likely to strengthen local economies by improving connectivity and creating employment opportunities during construction and implementation phases.

Government Committed to Timely Completion

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government is committed to ensuring timely execution and successful implementation of all approved projects.

He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure initiatives would accelerate Odisha’s overall development and improve the quality of life for people across the state.

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Engineers Urged to Build 200-Year Infrastructure at OESA Biennial Meet in Bhubaneswar

OdishaConnect — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:51:49 +0000

The 54th Biennial General Council Meeting of the Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA), along with the Biennial Conference of the Indian Engineers Federation, was held in Bhubaneswar, bringing together engineers from across the state to deliberate on development, policy, and professional advancement.

Call for Long-Lasting Infrastructure

Addressing the inaugural session, chief guest Rabinarayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, emphasized the need for durable infrastructure that can stand the test of time. He urged engineers to aim for structures with a lifespan of over 200 years, aligning with the vision of a “Vikashit Odisha, Vikashit Bharat.”

Citing iconic structures like the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple, he questioned why modern engineering cannot replicate such longevity, calling for innovation and commitment in public infrastructure projects.

Government Focus on Skill Development and Policy Reform

Guest of honour Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Works, Law and Excise, highlighted the critical role of engineers in achieving a developed Odisha by 2036. He encouraged engineers to strive for global excellence and assured that the government is considering several initiatives to strengthen the engineering workforce.

These include:

Formulation of a State Road Maintenance Policy
Mandatory training programs for government engineers
Exposure visits to developed countries
Establishment of a modern technical training centre by the association

Launch of ‘Techno Voice’ Magazine

During the event, the association’s biennial magazine “Techno Voice” was officially launched by the dignitaries, showcasing technical insights and contributions from engineering professionals.

Key Demands Raised by OESA

The association leaders presented a series of demands aimed at improving service conditions and career growth for engineers. These included:

Leadership roles for engineers across all engineering departments
Allocation of at least 10% of engineers in Level-16 and 17 under the 7th Pay Commission
Annual recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers through the Odisha Public Service Commission, with an increase in direct recruitment quota from 66% to 75%
Implementation of a uniform transfer policy
Cadre restructuring and promotion for Panchayati Raj engineers
Incentives for higher qualifications and special pay for complex assignments
Inclusion of OESA in policymaking related to service conditions

The demands were submitted to the Chief Minister through the attending ministers.

New Office Bearers Elected

The second session of the meeting focused on internal discussions and elections of new office bearers.

Er. Ananta Kumar Mohanty was elected as President
Er. Rajendra Kumar Sethi as General Secretary
Er. Abhisek Swain as Treasurer

Elections for other posts were also conducted during the session.

Wide Participation Across Departments

The event witnessed participation from hundreds of graduate engineers representing key departments such as Water Resources, Works, Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, reflecting strong engagement from the engineering community across Odisha.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from engineers and policymakers to work collaboratively toward building a robust and future-ready infrastructure ecosystem in the state.

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OESA Biennial General Body Meeting 2026 Held, Focus on Building ‘Vikashit Odisha’

OdishaConnect — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:32:47 +0000

Engineers Urged to Build Long-Lasting Infrastructure

The 54th Biennial General Body Meeting-2026 of the Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA), in collaboration with the Indian Engineers Federation, was held at the premises of the Institution of Engineers India.

Addressing the inaugural session, chief guest Rabinarayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, emphasized the need to build infrastructure that can last for over 200 years. He cited iconic structures like the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple as examples of India’s engineering excellence, urging modern engineers to match such standards in building a “Vikashit Odisha–Vikashit Bharat.”

Call for Skill Development and Policy Reforms

Guest of honour Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Works, Law and Excise, highlighted the crucial role of engineers in achieving a developed Odisha by 2036. He encouraged engineers to strive for global excellence.

He also revealed that the government is considering key reforms such as a State Road Maintenance Policy, mandatory training programs for government engineers, and exposure visits to developed countries. Additionally, he suggested that OESA should establish a modern technical training centre.

During the event, the association’s biennial magazine “Techno Voice” was officially launched by the dignitaries.

Key Demands Raised by Engineers

The association put forward several demands aimed at strengthening the engineering workforce in the state. These included:

Appointment of engineers to head all engineering departments
Allocation of at least 10% of engineers in Level-16 and 17 under the 7th Pay Commission
Regular recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers through the Odisha Public Service Commission
Increase in direct recruitment quota from 66% to 75%
Implementation of a transparent transfer policy
Restructuring and promotion of Panchayati Raj engineering cadre
Incentives for higher qualifications and special pay for complex assignments
Inclusion of OESA in policy decision-making processes

These demands were presented by Working President Er. Abinash Roul, General Secretary Er. Trinath Behera, and Treasurer Er. Prafulla Kumar Behera, and submitted to the Chief Minister through the attending ministers.

New Office Bearers Elected

The second session of the meeting focused on internal matters, including discussions on challenges faced by engineers and the election of new office bearers.

Er. Ananta Kumar Mohanty (Water Resources Department) was elected as President, Er. Rajendra Kumar Sethi (Housing and Urban Development Department) as General Secretary, and Er. Abhisek Swain (Works Department) as Treasurer. Elections for other posts were also conducted successfully.

Strong Participation from Across Odisha

The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of graduate engineers from departments including Water Resources, Works, Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the engineering community to contribute towards infrastructure development and the vision of a developed Odisha.

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Odisha Accelerates PNG Pipeline Expansion Across Cities

OdishaConnect — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:31:43 +0000

State Pushes for Citywide Gas Connectivity
The Odisha government is fast-tracking the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connectivity across urban areas, aiming to ensure seamless and affordable energy access for households. Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra stated that necessary arrangements are being made to extend pipeline gas supply to all cities in the state.

Work has already been largely completed in major municipal corporations and key cities such as Angul and Dhenkanal. For the remaining towns, preparations are underway, and district collectors have been directed to provide full support. Multiple agencies have also been instructed to expedite the work.

Delays in the Past, Momentum Under Current Government
Although the project began in 2017, progress was slow due to lack of coordination during the previous administration. The minister emphasized that the current “double-engine” government has significantly accelerated the pace of implementation, with structured planning and regular reviews now in place.

Technology-Driven Implementation to Minimize Disruption
The government is adopting modern technology to lay pipelines with minimal road excavation, ensuring reduced inconvenience to the public. Authorities are targeting completion of key works before the monsoon season. Officials also assured that alternative arrangements would be made by companies in case of any disruptions in PNG supply.

Growing Demand and Rapid Adoption in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
PNG adoption is steadily increasing, particularly in Bhubaneswar, where around 100 new connections are being provided daily. Areas such as Chandrasekharpur, Kalinga Vihar, Dumduma, and Mancheswar are witnessing higher demand due to completed pipeline infrastructure.

Currently, Bhubaneswar has around 19,000 PNG users, while Cuttack has approximately 9,000 consumers. According to GAIL’s commercial manager Soumya Ranjan Mohanty, both online and offline applications are rising steadily.

National Initiatives Boost PNG Expansion
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like the National PNG Mission 2.0 and the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline Project are driving rapid expansion of natural gas networks across the country.

The Odisha government has also initiated the process of formulating a City Gas Distribution (CGD) policy to further streamline approvals and accelerate infrastructure growth.

Affordable, Safe, and Reliable Energy Alternative
PNG is emerging as a preferred alternative to LPG due to its lower cost, continuous supply, and enhanced safety features. Amid concerns over LPG shortages influenced by global factors, the shift toward PNG is gaining momentum in urban Odisha.

Simple Application Process for Consumers
The government has urged residents to apply for PNG connections through both online and offline modes. With a one-time fee of ₹4,500 and submission of identity proof, consumers can expect installation within 90 days.

Authorities have set ambitious targets, aiming to add 1.25 lakh new consumers in Bhubaneswar and 1 lakh in Cuttack in the coming years. Recent progress shows that around 1,479 households have been connected in just the past two to three months, with expansion ongoing in areas like Khandagiri, Eginiya, and Pokhariput.

Future Outlook
With strong policy backing, technological advancements, and rising consumer interest, Odisha is on track to achieve widespread PNG connectivity. The initiative is expected to significantly improve urban energy infrastructure while reducing dependence on conventional LPG systems.

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Big Push Towards Developed Odisha: Rural Development Gets Top Priority in 2026–27 Budget

OdishaConnect — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:39:13 +0000

In a major step toward building a developed Odisha, the state government has placed unprecedented emphasis on strengthening rural infrastructure and empowering Panchayati Raj institutions in the 2026–27 budget.

Addressing the media at the Odisha Legislative Assembly conference hall on Wednesday evening, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik outlined the key allocations and priorities of the departments.

Massive Budget Allocation for Rural Sectors

The government has allocated:

₹34,104.06 crore for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department
₹10,204.60 crore for Rural Development Department

These proposals have been passed in the Assembly. The funds aim to significantly improve rural drinking water supply, road connectivity, and livelihood opportunities across the state.

Housing Schemes Get Major Boost

Providing pucca houses to eligible rural beneficiaries remains a key priority. The budget includes:

₹2,445 crore for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)
₹2,000 crore for Antyodaya Housing Scheme
₹30 crore for PM-JANMAN Yojana

These allocations are expected to accelerate housing coverage in rural Odisha.

Employment Generation Through New Scheme

A major highlight is the allocation of ₹5,575 crore for the “Vibrant Village Employment Scheme (VVG Ram Ji)”, aimed at transforming rural employment.

Key features include:

Guaranteed 125 days of employment annually
60-day break during agricultural seasons
Wage payment within 15 days of work completion
Provision for daily unemployment allowance if work is not provided

Until the scheme is fully implemented, ₹1,626 crore has been earmarked for MGNREGA.

Special Initiative to Curb Migration

To tackle distress migration (Dadan issue), a special livelihood program titled “Livelihood Enhancement through Progressive Methods” will be implemented in 30 blocks across 9 districts—Balangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada.

Duration: 36 months
Allocation for 2026–27: ₹220 crore

100% Piped Water Supply Target by 2027

The government has reaffirmed its goal of providing piped drinking water to every rural household by March 2027.

As of March 1, 2026: 77.15% coverage achieved
₹7,000 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission
₹495 crore for BASUDHA Scheme
₹1,000 crore for Rural Piped Water Supply (RPWS)

Road Connectivity and Infrastructure Expansion

Under the new Mission Power Scheme, ₹1,000 crore has been allocated to connect 1,043 unconnected habitations through:

8,992.97 km of roads and ghats

Additionally, the Rural Development Department targets:

Completion of 5,200 km roads and 300 bridges
Construction of 9,700 km new roads and 350 bridges

Other allocations include:

₹142 crore for road improvement in 142 constituencies
₹80 crore for disaster-resilient roads
₹102.50 crore for building infrastructure

Vision: Self-Reliant and Empowered Rural Odisha

The state government aims to make rural Odisha self-reliant and ensure that development reaches the last mile. Emphasizing the mantra of “Service, Access, and Empowerment,” Minister Rabi Narayan Naik reiterated the department’s commitment to transforming rural landscapes across the state.

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Budget Bonanza: National Waterway-5 to Connect Talcher Mines to Paradip & Dhamra Ports

OdishaConnect — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:02:08 +0000

Odisha’s industrial and mining sectors are set for a major boost following the Union Budget 2026, which approved the development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5). Alongside this, the budget also introduced several initiatives aimed at sustainable industrial growth, mineral processing, and improved coastal infrastructure.

National Waterway-5: Connecting Odisha’s Mineral Heartland

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that NW-5 will create a direct water transport link connecting Odisha’s mining hubs to major ports. The waterway stretches from Talcher and Angul, home to rich coal and iron ore deposits, to the industrial hub of Kalinganagar, before reaching Paradip and Dhamra ports.

This new route is expected to revolutionize the movement of raw materials:

Coal, iron ore, and other minerals can be transported by barge instead of trucks or trains.
Reduced highway congestion and lower air pollution from road transport.
Cost-effective logistics for local industries, boosting competitiveness.

Twenty New National Waterways in the Pipeline

The Budget also revealed plans to establish 20 new national waterways over the next five years, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding India’s inland water transport network. NW-5 is positioned as a model corridor, integrating industrial output with port connectivity.

Rare Earth Corridor to Strengthen Mineral Processing

Odisha will benefit from a dedicated Rare Earth Corridor, aimed at mineral-rich states. This initiative focuses on:

Mining and processing of rare earth elements.
Research and development to enhance local production.
Reducing India’s dependence on imports for strategic minerals essential for technology and defense industries.

Support for Coastal and Agricultural Development

The Budget didn’t overlook Odisha’s environmental and agricultural priorities:

Funding for coastal turtle nesting sites and sustainable coastal shipping.
Promotion of cashew farming to diversify agriculture.
A ₹1.4 lakh crore allocation from the 16th Finance Commission to support infrastructure and development projects across the state.

Impact on Odisha’s Economy

Experts say the combination of waterway development, rare earth initiatives, and infrastructure funding could significantly unlock Odisha’s industrial potential. Mining, steel, and shipping sectors stand to benefit most, while environmentally sustainable transport solutions could set a precedent for other states.

With these moves, Odisha is poised to become a key hub for minerals, industry, and coastal trade, aligning economic growth with smart, sustainable practices.

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Centre Approves ₹44,771 Crore for Odisha Road Projects in 2025–26

OdishaConnect — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:54:05 +0000

In a major push to Odisha’s infrastructure development, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved road development projects worth ₹44,771 crore for the financial year 2025–26. The approvals span National Highways, State Highways, and key works under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

Massive Allocation for National and State Highways

Of the total sanctioned amount, the Centre has earmarked ₹30,000 crore for the expansion and upgradation of National Highways across Odisha. Another ₹13,000 crore has been allocated for the development of State Highways, marking one of the highest annual infrastructure approvals for the state.

State Minister for Works, Law and Excise Prithviraj Harichandan, who met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, confirmed the approvals after reviewing Odisha’s highway and connectivity priorities.

Greenfield High-Speed Corridor to Paradip

A major highlight of the approval is the Centre’s nod for a new Greenfield high-speed corridor between Bhubaneswar and Paradip, aimed at boosting direct connectivity to Odisha’s largest port. The corridor is expected to play a crucial role in industrial logistics and economic growth.

Key National Highway Projects Cleared

Several transformative National Highway upgrades have been approved, including:

Bhubaneswar–Puri Highway to be expanded into an 8-lane corridor.
Tangi–Puintola–Ichhapuram (140 km) stretch to be upgraded into 6 lanes.
Rourkela–Bada Bil–Paradip via Duburi (400 km) corridor to be expanded into 8 lanes.
Pallahara–Pitiri (68 km) stretch under NH-149 to be widened into 4 lanes.

These upgrades are expected to ease congestion, improve safety, and support the rapid growth of industrial hubs and pilgrimage routes.

CRIF Allocation Fulfils IRC Commitments

The Centre has sanctioned ₹1,500 crore under the CRIF scheme, fulfilling commitments made during the Indian Road Congress (IRC) held in Bhubaneswar in November 2025. The funds will go toward strengthening strategic road links across districts.

Major State Highway Projects Approved

In addition to the NH works, the Centre has sanctioned ₹13,141 crore for critical State Highway developments. Projects include:

Barpali–Balangir widening
Kesinga–Bhawanipatna–Junagarh corridor strengthening
Balangir–Nayagarh road development
Hinjilikatu Bypass construction
Mohana–Paralakhemundi highway upgrade
Additional enhancements along NH-26

These projects aim to improve inter-district connectivity and rural access.

Boost for Odisha’s Connectivity and Economy

The newly approved projects are set to dramatically improve road infrastructure, enhance mobility between major districts, support industrial corridors, and prepare Odisha’s transport network for the next decade of economic expansion.

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