Works Minister Reviews Major Projects, Calls for Speed and Quality in Infrastructure Push

Bhubaneswar: With a focus on accelerating Odisha’s infrastructure growth, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of key development projects and directed officials to ensure timely execution along with optimal utilisation of budgetary allocations.

At a high-level meeting held at the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhawan, the Minister assessed project-wise expenditure of the Works Department and reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing works. Stressing the need to balance speed with quality, he instructed officers to expedite spending while strictly adhering to construction standards.

The review covered a wide range of projects, including roads, bridges, government buildings and new road development initiatives. Special attention was given to projects being implemented under the Ekamra, Samlei and ABADHA schemes, which aim to enhance urban infrastructure and heritage development. The Minister directed officials to ensure that these priority projects are completed efficiently and within stipulated timelines.

“Timely completion of infrastructure projects is critical for the state’s development. All officers must closely monitor quality standards and accelerate ongoing works so that citizens can benefit without delay,” Harichandan said.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Er. Laxmi Kanta Padhi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Roads) Er. Dhyan Chand Nayak, and FA-cum-Special Secretary Ratikanta Mahapatra, along with other departmental officers and chief engineers.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening road connectivity, public infrastructure and urban development, underlining that efficient execution and accountability would remain key priorities in the department’s functioning.