Bhubaneswar/Puri: With preparations underway for the annual Rath Yatra in July, the Odisha Government has intensified efforts to ensure smooth traffic movement and improved connectivity in Puri city. As part of this initiative, Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh on Thursday visited the construction site of the Matiapada Road Over Bridge (ROB) and reviewed the progress of the ongoing project.
The State Government has been giving priority to the development of roads and bridges connecting Puri to facilitate better traffic management during major religious events and tourist seasons. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan have repeatedly stressed the need for timely completion of key infrastructure projects in and around the pilgrim town.
During the inspection, the Principal Secretary reviewed the status of pending works and assessed the pace of major construction activities at the ROB site. He directed the executing agency to expedite the launching of the bow-string girder and complete casting of the bridge deck slab within the scheduled timeframe.
Singh also instructed officials and engineers to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and prescribed quality standards during the execution of the project. Emphasising timely completion, he asked the agency to deploy adequate manpower, machinery and other required resources while maintaining close coordination with the department.
According to the EPC contracting agency, the launching of the bow-string girder is expected to be completed by June 15, while deck slab casting work is likely to be finished by June 20, 2026.
Officials said the Matiapada ROB, once completed, would significantly ease vehicular congestion in the area, reduce travel time and improve connectivity for commuters and visitors travelling to Puri. The project is also expected to strengthen the region’s transport infrastructure and support efficient traffic management during the Rath Yatra and other major events.
Among those present during the visit were Chief Engineer (National Highways-I) Er. Narayan Patel, Chief Construction Engineer of National Highways Circle, Bhubaneswar, Er. Ajit Kumar Ray, Superintending Engineer of National Highways Division, Bhubaneswar, Pupun Kumar Pradhan, Superintending Engineer (R&B) Er. Soumya Ranjan Dwibedi and Chairman of the EPC contracting agency Subash Agrawal.
