NH‑316 & NH‑16 to Get Six Lanes, Service Roads

Bhubaneswar/Puri: In a major infrastructure push, the Centre has approved the upgradation of two key highway stretches in Odisha into six‑lane controlled‑access corridors.

The Puri–Bhubaneswar section of NH‑316 and the Tangi–Ichchapuram stretch of NH‑16 will be expanded with continuous service roads to ease congestion and improve connectivity.

Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, where the proposal received a positive response.

Gadkari directed officials to initiate the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and tendering process.

The state also sought approval to convert the Puri–Brahmagiri–Satpada road into a four‑lane highway, citing rising tourist traffic.

Additionally, Gadkari instructed the widening of the Palasuni–Khandagiri–Tamando service road in Bhubaneswar into an eight‑lane corridor to tackle severe congestion.

Officials said the projects will significantly boost regional connectivity, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and support Odisha’s economic growth.