Centre’s Nod For 300-Km Paradip-Barbil Economic Corridor In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Centre has agreed to take up 300 km 8-lane integrated economic corridor from Paradip to Barbil consisting 6 stretches in Odisha.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday proposed the project during a discussion on several important infrastructure projects with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on virtual mode. Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also participated.

Naveen proposed early completion of various ongoing NH projects in mines rich Keonjhar district and subsequent 8-laning of the roads. “Keonjhar is an important district for the state’s economy and also for the steel industry of the entire country,” he said.

Proposing the Paradip-Barbil integrated economic corridor, he suggested that 4-laning of these roads with service roads can be explored initially. The state is willing to be a partner and extend all support to this economic corridor, he added.

The Chief Minister suggested regular meetings with the Union Minister once in every 2 months and official-level meetings with the Union Government every month to speed up the project.

He also proposed 300 km Digha-Satpada coastal highway and early solution to various issues relating to this project. The state government has given all necessary clearances for this project and it can be taken up immediately, he added. Union Minister Gadkari agreed to the proposal.

As per the discussion, the 4-laning of 166-km Panikoili-Remuli section of NH-20 is almost over and the rest portion will be completed soon. The Union Minister assured to complete it within one year. Similarly, the 4-laning of 43-km Remuli-Koida and 104-km Singara-Binjabahal NH will be completed by June 2021.

After the completion of 4-laning of these roads, steps will be taken for 8-laning of these roads.

As for the Paradip-Barbil economic corridor proposal, the Union Minister assured all support for early start to this ambitious project. This will be developed as an integrated 8-lane economic corridor.

Similarly, the connectivity to Gopalpur, Subarnarekha, Astharang, Paradip and Dhamara ports was discussed and it was decided that appropriate steps will be taken for quick completion of these projects.

Among other issues, Ampani-Jeypore road which is a part of Biju Expressway, Bhubaneswar-Puri Expressway and Raipur-Visakhapatnam road were also discussed.