Nitin Gadkari virtually launches Rs 66 bn NH projects in Odisha

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari virtually launched and laid the foundation stones for 28 national highway (NH) projects in Odisha, with a combined value of Rs 66 billion. Despite the last-minute cancellation of his visit to Odisha, Gadkari inaugurated key projects such as a 79 km four-lane road on NH-49 between Baharagora and Singhara (Rs 12.03 billion) and a 78 km six-lane road from Chandikhol to Bhadrak on NH-16 (Rs 20.35 billion).In addition to the inaugurated projects, the minister laid the foundation stones for 26 other road infrastructure projects in the state. During the event, Gadkari emphasised the substantial progress in national highway development in Odisha since 2014, noting that the total length of national highways in the state had increased from 4,639 km to 5,753 km during this period. He revealed that the ministry had allocated nearly Rs 1.50 trillion for highway development in Odisha.From 2014 to 2024, approximately 4,250 km of roads were constructed in Odisha, with an expenditure of around Rs 330 billion, according to Gadkari. Additionally, he mentioned that projects for another 1,312 km of national highways, with an investment of Rs 220 billion, are underway and expected to be completed by 2024-25. The minister also highlighted the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the construction of 746 km of roads with an estimated cost of Rs 600 billion.Gadkari concluded by announcing ambitious plans for various projects, including a 111 km greenfield ring road around Bhubaneswar city, with a projected cost of Rs 62.53 billion.