Odisha to extend road in Maoist-hit Koraput

To improve road network in Maoist-hit areas in the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, the Odisha government has planned to convert the single-lane State highway (SH-51), connecting Laxmipur in Koraput district and Andhra Pradesh border, to double lane. Under State highway development project, the State government has decided to spent Rs 86 core for the improvement of the 48-km State Highway. The road starts from Laxmipur and passes through worst Maoist-hit Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon and Almonda of the district before connecting Parvatipuram of Andhra Pradesh. Seven construction companies have been shortlisted to participate in final tender process. The government expects commencement of work in next couple of months and have set a target to complete the project in two years.