Bhubaneswar: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday announced plans to build a 500-metre skywalk connecting Palasuni with Rasulgarh in Bhubaneswar.
The initiative, aimed at improving pedestrian safety and alleviating traffic bottlenecks along a busy stretch of National Highway-16, will come up at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. “It will create a secure, well-lit, and convenient pathway for pedestrians while allowing traffic below to move more smoothly and ef
ficiently,” NHAI’s Regional Office in Odisha said in a post on X.
The Palasuni–Rasulgarh section is one of the busiest entry routes into the state capital and is notorious as an accident blackspot, particularly for pedestrians attempting to cross amid fast-moving vehicular traffic. Once operational, the facility is expected to enhance overall road discipline, cut congestion, and provide a safer alternative for those navigating the area on foot.
Some users praised the move as people-centric. “Cities should be built for people, not just vehicles,” a user noted, calling it a positive direction for infrastructure in Bhubaneswar.
However, another user mentioned: “Better build a flyover from Palasuni to Kuakhai bridge parallel to existing flyover from Kuakhai to Palasuni. It will clear traffic rush coming from Puri bypass and merging with NH 16 just before Kuakhai bridge.”