Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, arrived in Bhubaneswar today for a one-day visit to Odisha, marking a significant step in the state’s infrastructure development.
During his visit, Gadkari will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for 19 national highway projects valued at Rs 4,000 crore, spanning 105 km across five districts, including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The projects are part of the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana program, aimed at bolstering India’s highway network and fostering economic growth.
Among the key initiatives is the four-laning of the Banarpal-Godibandha stretch, a critical segment that has long been a challenge for commuters due to its poor condition, especially during monsoons. This stretch, part of NH-55 connecting Cuttack to Sambalpur, has been a focal point of public grievances, with past reports highlighting its nightmarish state.
The projects are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity in the region. However, they also come with challenges, including environmental and land acquisition issues in Odisha’s rural areas. Since 2014, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has invested over Rs 5.45 lakh crore in highway development across India, with Odisha being a key beneficiary of this push.
Gadkari’s visit follows a previous virtual launch of 28 national highway projects worth Rs 6,600 crore in Odisha, underscoring the Central government’s commitment to improving the state’s road infrastructure.
