Bhubaneswar: Plans to transform the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway corridor into a high-capacity transport route gained momentum on Wednesday as the Odisha government reviewed a major proposal for expansion and modernisation of National Highway-316 at a high-level meeting in Lok Seva Bhawan.
The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, focused on the proposed six-laning of the existing highway, development of elevated corridors, utility infrastructure and future traffic management measures aimed at improving connectivity between the capital city and Puri.
Officials discussed the proposal to widen the present 67-km four-lane highway into a six-lane corridor with separate two-lane service roads on both sides to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer local commuting along the busy route.
Among the key components of the project is a proposed six-lane elevated corridor stretching around 11 km between Saptasati Chhak and Lingipur Chhak in Bhubaneswar. Authorities are also considering construction of three-lane service roads on both sides of the elevated stretch to reduce congestion and facilitate uninterrupted vehicular movement.
The review meeting further examined plans for development of wayside amenities for tourists and passengers travelling between Bhubaneswar and Puri, especially during peak pilgrimage and festive seasons.
Keeping in view the vulnerability of the coastal belt to cyclones and natural disasters, officials emphasised the need for a dedicated utility corridor along the highway for electricity transmission lines, telecom and internet networks, water supply pipelines and gas infrastructure.
The Principal Secretary instructed departments to prepare the final project design by factoring in future infrastructure expansion, including the proposed airport at Puri, the planned coastal highway and growing urbanisation in the Bhubaneswar-Puri region.
He also stressed the need for incorporation of flyovers, elevated stretches and Vehicle Under Passes (VUPs) at critical locations to ensure efficient traffic regulation and long-term sustainability of the corridor.
Officials said the project is being taken forward under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with monitoring by Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
