The state cabinet chaired by the chief minister cleared the 9.5 km Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan road corridor, a major urban infrastructure project that is expected to transform connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The project will be executed on a turnkey basis by Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt Ltd at a contract value of Rs 5.79 billion (Rs 5.79 bn), the lowest bidder, and is targeted for completion within 24 months. The chief secretary Anu Garg said the scheme aimed to reduce traffic congestion and create dedicated pedestrian infrastructure while supporting the city's long-term urban mobility and growth strategy. The Works department had earlier accorded administrative approval for the project at an estimated cost of Rs 9.49 billion (Rs 9.49 bn) in January. The corridor will stretch from Kalinga Stadium Gate No. 4 to Raghunathpur bridge and will be widened from six lanes to an eight-lane carriageway with service roads and modern traffic management infrastructure. The plan also includes 17.5 km of service roads to support local circulation and access. A key feature is the construction of four flyovers including a four-lane cable-stayed bridge at Jaydev Vihar, and major structures at Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square and KIIT Square, alongside improvements at Kalarahanga Junction. The scope covers service roads, slip roads, pedestrian subways, underground parking, drainage systems, bridges, roundabouts, road safety measures, lighting, landscaping and avenue plantation to modernise the corridor. Officials said the corridor would serve as a principal arterial route connecting Bhubaneswar with Cuttack via Baranga, easing congestion and significantly reducing travel time while improving access to residential areas, educational institutions, commercial centres and business hubs. The cabinet approved a 10-year defect liability and maintenance period and directed the upkeep of avenue plantations along the route to ensure sustained maintenance after completion.