The Odisha government is preparing a specialized policy for the construction, repair, and enhancement of roads across the state. A high-level review meeting was convened under the leadership of the Law, Works, and Excise Minister to outline a strategic plan for improving transport infrastructure. The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, brought together key officials, including the Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises Minister, the Development Commissioner, and senior bureaucrats. Discussions focused on overcoming road development challenges and improving interdepartmental coordination to prevent unnecessary damage caused by utility installations. Under the proposed policy, the state aims to construct 75,000 kilometre of roads over the next five years, targeting 15,000 kilometre annually. This initiative will encompass roads and bridges managed by the National Highways, Works, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Urban Development Departments. To prevent frequent road excavation for essential utilities such as water pipelines, electricity cables, and telecommunication networks, the government plans to establish dedicated utility corridors along major roads. Environmental conservation measures will also be prioritized, including tree plantation along roadsides and the relocation of large trees using advanced machinery. The policy will set construction standards for short, medium, and long bridges at various locations. Recognizing land acquisition challenges in rural areas, a special financial provision will be introduced to ensure smoother project execution. The policy will emphasize regular inspection and maintenance of roads, particularly before and after the monsoon season, to enhance durability. The meeting also explored sustainable construction practices, including the use of waste materials in road development, adoption of modern technology for improved safety, and innovative techniques to minimize environmental impact. Senior officials from multiple departments participated in the discussions, contributing insights for effective implementation. News source: Ommcom News