Keonjhar: In a major boost to rural connectivity in Keonjhar district, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated a number of new projects in Keonjar, his home district.
During his visit to the mineral-rich district, Majhi inaugurated a new bridge over Ardei Nala in Bodapalasa Gram Panchayat, fulfilling the long-standing demand of people of the region.
Officials said the bridge will directly benefit more than 5,000 people from Bodapalasa and the surrounding five gram panchayats by providing smooth all-weather connectivity and easing daily commute.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this infrastructure project will bring a new identity to the Keonjhar Sadar area. He added that residents of Bodapalasa Gram Panchayat and nearby villages will no longer face difficulties in commuting. The 100-metre-long bridge is expected to transform transportation in the region and support overall development.
This development comes as part of the state government’s continued focus on improving rural infrastructure in Odisha.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr Fakir Mohan Nayak, Chairman of the District Planning Board, Akhil Chandra Nayak, MLA of Patna, and Bishal Singh, District Collector of Keonjhar.
In another major step towards improving road safety and easing traffic movement, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed underpass on Panikoili-Rimuli section of the new NH-20 at Langlakanti in Keonjhar district.
It may be noted that this underpass has been developed as an important road along NH-20, which is one of the important highways connecting major industrial, mining and commercial areas of the state. Hence, this project will reduce traffic in the local area.
Located at Langlakanti, this underpass will reduce traffic from nearby areas like Tikira, Dhenkikote and Barbeda. The Chief Minister expressed hope that it will act as a grade separator, ensure smooth traffic and uninterrupted movement and also provide a safe pedestrian crossing for the local residents.
The Chief Minister said that this inauguration is another step of the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development and increasing road safety across Odisha.
