Odisha Govt Targets 15,000 Km of Road Construction Annually
The Odisha government has set an ambitious target of constructing 15,000 km of roads every year, aiming to develop 75,000 km of road infrastructure over the next five years. Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan outlined the plan following a departmental review meeting on Friday.
A comprehensive policy on road infrastructure improvement is in the works, addressing key concerns such as accident reduction, road maintenance, and sustainable construction practices. To prevent frequent road digging for utility installations—including water pipes, electricity lines, and internet cables—the government plans to develop dedicated utility corridors.
The policy will also focus on environmental concerns, particularly the impact of tree cutting during road construction. It will establish standardized guidelines for constructing short, medium, and long bridges while introducing special financial provisions to address land acquisition challenges in rural areas.
In addition to building new roads, the state will implement a rigorous inspection and maintenance program to ensure timely repairs. Specific attention will be given to road upkeep before, during, and after the monsoon season.
To enhance road safety, modern construction techniques will be adopted, and innovative methods will be explored for using waste materials in road building. The initiative aims to improve connectivity while prioritizing environmental sustainability and technological advancements.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Construction Department Principal Secretary VV Yadav, Panchayati Raj Secretary Girish SN, State Transport Authority Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and Bhubaneswar Development Authority Vice Chairman N Tirumala Naik.
