Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to introduce a comprehensive policy to streamline road construction and maintenance across the state. This was announced during a review meeting chaired by Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
The new policy will establish rules and regulations for road construction for the next 50 years, addressing coordination issues among various departments involved in the process.
“The Works, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj departments, urban civic authorities, and agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Highway Authority often face challenges due to a lack of coordination. The new policy aims to resolve these issues and ensure smoother execution of projects,” Minister Harichandan stated.
A key feature of the policy is the imposition of penalties on entities that damage roads for activities like laying cables or constructing drains without proper permissions. The rules will enforce accountability and encourage adherence to guidelines, preventing unnecessary damage to infrastructure.
The policy will also address broader concerns, including traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, land acquisition for road projects, and bridge construction over water bodies. “By covering these aspects, the policy seeks to ensure sustainable and efficient road development,” Harichandan added.
The initiative comes in response to longstanding challenges in road construction and repair across Odisha, with the government aiming to enhance coordination, efficiency, and long-term planning in infrastructure development.