Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s infrastructure, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has announced a series of major road and rail projects following high-level meetings in New Delhi with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The initiatives include the state’s first eight-lane service road, six-laning of prominent national highway stretches, widening of tourism-linked roads, and expedited construction of over 120 railway overbridges (ROBs).
Speaking to the media upon his return, Harichandan highlighted that several proposals submitted by the Odisha government to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) have received in-principle approvals. These projects are expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance tourism and pilgrimage connectivity, support industrial growth, and improve overall road safety.
The Minister further said that a comprehensive accident prevention master plan is also being prepared for all major roads.
Landmark Eight-Lane Project on NH-16
In a historic first for the state, an eight-lane service road with four lanes on each side will be constructed along the high-traffic NH-16 from Palasuni to Tamando near Bhubaneswar. This stretch, known for severe congestion, will significantly improve traffic flow in the capital region.
“Union Minister Gadkari has directed officials to study its alignment,” he said.
Six-Laning of Bhubaneswar-Puri Corridor (NH-316)
The 67-km Bhubaneswar-Puri section of NH-316, currently a four-lane highway completed in 2017, will be upgraded to a six-lane access-control highway with service roads on both sides. This busy pilgrimage and tourism route to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri sees heavy traffic volume. Plans include an elevated corridor from Saptasati Square to Lingipur Square (about 11 km) with three-lane service roads, along with flyovers, vehicle underpasses (VUPs), wayside amenities, and a dedicated utility corridor for services like electricity, water, and internet.
A high-level meeting chaired by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh recently reviewed progress on this project.
Additional Key Upgrades
Tangi-Berhampur-Ichchapuram section of NH-16: This important stretch will also be widened to six lanes with service roads. “Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has begun and it will be followed by tendering process. Gadkari has directed officials to take immediate steps for the widening of the NH project,” Harichandan said
Puri-Brahmagiri-Satapada road: This will be expanded to a four-lane highway to better connect the Chilika Lake tourism circuit. “Earlier, the MoRTH had dropped the proposal in view of wildlife concerns and sanction of the coastal highway. Gadkari has assured to reconsider the project after he was explained about the need and urgency of the road expansion,” the minister said.
Regional Projects and Safety Measures
The state government has approved several regional road and bridge works worth around ₹600 crore. Notable ones include:
₹66.24 crore upgradation of the Chhatratota-Katikata road in Cuttack district.
₹50.90 crore bridge over the Salandi river in Bhadrak district.
₹31.52 crore improvement of the Bhojpur-Laimura road in Deogarh district.
Rail Infrastructure Push
Harichandan also discussed rail projects with Minister Vaishnaw. Work on 122 ROBs statewide will be fast-tracked to eliminate level crossings, enhance safety, and reduce congestion. This aligns with broader efforts to improve railway-road interfaces in Odisha.
