Barbil: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited Barbil Bypass Ring Road project, fulfilling a key promise made to the people of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.
The Barbil Bypass Ring Road, spanning 18.326 km, is estimated to cost Rs 1,581.21 crore. It is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the mining town by providing a smooth bypass for heavy vehicles and passenger traffic. ““I am personally aware of the problems faced by the people here. That is why our government took an early decision on this. Today, we are implementing that decision,” he remarked.
Majhi detailed the segments of the ring road: 3.7 km from Bhadra Sahi to Serenda, 6.3 km from Serenda to Balani, and 8.3 km from Serenda to Nalda. “The modern design will have the capacity to handle 40,000 passenger car units per day, far exceeding the current peak of around 15,375 vehicles. The project will promote housing colonies along the corridor, reduce operating costs for vehicles, and contribute significantly to the local economy,” he noted.
Major Announcements
The Chief Minister also inaugurated 24 development projects worth Rs 29.41 crore and laid the foundation stones for 51 more projects valued at Rs 326.43 crore during the programme.
Majhi announced that a new power sub-station for Joda, Basudebpur, and Barbil areas wo
uld be constructed soon at a cost of Rs 298 crore. He also directed the district administration to expedite the construction of the 8-lane Barbil-Paradip road. He further stated that the foundation stone for a mega steel plant in Keonjhar would be laid in the near future. “The state government will extend all possible administrative support to any industrial unit investing more than ₹10,000 crore in Keonjhar and providing employment to over 10,000 people,” he said.
Focus on Infrastructure and Prosperity
Emphasising the importance of infrastructure for a ‘Prosperous Odisha’, the Chief Minister said roads, bridges, reliable electricity, and drinking water are the foundation of development. Several other projects were also inaugurated or started, including 10-km Bamwery-Palasa-Guruda-Koida road (Rs 95 crore) Suakati-Dubuna-Kalimati road (7.5 km, Rs 30 crore), upgrading Palaspanga to Bamwery KIDCO road (5.5 km, Rs 30 crore) and sports infrastructure and bus stand at Barbil festival ground (Rs 9.27 crore), development of playground and park near Barbil ITI, new sub-registrar office, and town hall.
Majhi added that the Barbil ITI will soon be upgraded into a Centre of Excellence.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed benefits under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana and handed over land pattas (titles) to beneficiaries in the Barbil area. He also referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act), noting that it would reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament and increase women’s representation in the Odisha Assembly.
Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, Planning Board Chairman Dr Fakir Naik, Special Development Council Chairperson Mamita Singh, and Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh were present.