Odisha ups outlay to build 1,000 km roads

The Odisha state government plans to invest Rs 2,296 crore with a target to construct 1,000 km of roads, 30 bridges, and two rail overbridges in 2021-22. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has allocated Rs 2,000 crore to build 4,000 km of rural roads. The state government has planned to develop roads under the 'Biju Express' scheme which will act as an economic corridor for western Odisha. A financial support of Rs 100 crore has been made to this end. An outlay of Rs 912 crore is proposed under the Biju Setu Yojana, Rs 781 crore for improvement of roads and bridges and Rs 300 crore for 416 ongoing and 142 new road projects under the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana.4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info While a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for land acquisition and development of airstrips identified under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) scheme, the outlay for railway projects in the state is Rs 396 crore.A sum of Rs 50 crore has been provided for equity infusion in three joint venture companies—Angul-Sukinda Railway Ltd, Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Ltd, and Haridashpur-Paradip Railway Company.  A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for block level bus stands and construction of a new bus terminal at Cuttack, while an equal amount has been provided for urban road transport and development of the Baramunda bus stand. In a move to strengthen the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the government has provided Rs 34 crore in the shape of equity to purchase new buses and Rs 20 crore for the modernisation of RTO offices across the state.Image: Road-building has picked up pace especially on national highways even through the pandemic. Also read: Janaagraha Awards: Odisha is best in urban governance