Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance road infrastructure and boost regional connectivity, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday launched 19 national highway projects in Odisha. The projects, collectively valued at ₹4,137 crore, were unveiled at a grand event held at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar.
During the ceremony, Gadkari laid foundation stones for 17 projects and inaugurated two newly completed highway sections, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to Odisha’s development through infrastructure investments. The projects are part of a broader plan under which nearly ₹1 lakh crore has been invested in the state’s national highway network so far.
The newly sanctioned projects include 13 national highway development works worth ₹2,905 crore, aimed at constructing new roads and widening existing routes across Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh districts. These works will cover a combined road length of 105 km, significantly improving mobility in the region.
In addition, the Union Minister laid the foundation for four strategic bridges with a total estimated cost of ₹427 crore. These bridges—stretching 4.82 km in length—will be developed on the Berhampur-Gopalpur and Rourkela-Biramitrapur highway corridors under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
Gadkari also inaugurated two completed highway stretches, covering parts of NH-59 and NH-130CD. Together, these sections span 44 km and have been developed at a cost of ₹841 crore, enhancing connectivity in key regions of the state.
The event was attended by several senior leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and KV Singh Deo, along with MPs, MLAs, and other dignitaries. The presence of top officials reflected the significance of the occasion for Odisha’s transport and economic landscape.
These new infrastructure projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve logistics, and accelerate economic activities across Odisha, particularly in fast-growing urban and industrial zones.
