Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited Barbil Bypass-cum-Ring Road project in Keonjhar district, fulfilling a key promise made to residents of the mining town.
The proposed 18.326-km bypass road, to be developed at an estimated cost of ₹1,581.21 crore, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in Barbil and surrounding areas. The Chief Minister said the project would address long-standing issues caused by heavy vehicular movement, particularly from mining operations.
During the programme at Barbil, Majhi also inaugurated 24 projects worth ₹29.41 crore and laid foundation stones for 51 projects involving an investment of ₹326.43 crore across the district.
Highlighting the importance of the bypass project, the Chief Minister said it has been designed to handle up to 40,000 passenger car units (PCU) per day, compared to the current traffic load of around 15,375 PCU. The project comprises three key stretches: 3.7 km from Bhadra Sahi to Serenda, 6.3 km from Serenda to Balani, and 8.3 km from Serenda to Nalda.
He noted that the ring road would not only decongest the town but also spur urban expansion, boost economic activities, and reduce transportation costs, contributing to regional growth.
Majhi also announced the establishment of a power sub-station for the Joda, Basudebpur and Barbil areas at a cost of ₹298 crore, and directed officials to expedite the construction of the proposed 8-lane Barbil–Paradip road.
In addition, foundation stones were laid for several key road projects, including the ₹95 crore Bamweri–Palasa–Guruda–Koida road (10 km), the ₹30 crore Suakati–Dubuna–Kalimati road (about 7.5 km), and the upgradation of the Palaspanga–Bamweri KIDCO road (about 5.5 km) at a cost of ₹30 crore.
Infrastructure upgrades were also inaugurated at Barbil Utsav Padia, including sports facilities and a bus stand modernisation project worth ₹9.27 crore. Other civic projects included improvements to a playground and park near the Barbil ITI staff quarters, a new sub-registrar office, and a town hall.
Emphasising infrastructure as the backbone of development, Majhi said the state government is prioritising roads, bridges, electricity, and drinking water to build a “Samruddha Odisha.” He added that special focus has been given to the development of Keonjhar district, including projects such as a data centre, a regional plant resource centre at San Ghagara, an apparel unit, and tourism infrastructure.
The Chief Minister further stated that the state Cabinet has approved a ₹1,647 crore grid sub-station project for Keonjhar, which is expected to be completed within three years and ensure reliable power supply to both households and industries.
Referring to broader infrastructure initiatives, Majhi said major road projects, including a 287-km Berhampur–Jeypore expressway, the Paradip–Amabhana East-West Corridor, and the 969-km Atal Expressway from Motu to Tiring, would transform Odisha’s economic landscape.
He also highlighted increased central investment in the state under the leadership of Narendra Modi, citing allocations for economic corridors, national waterways, and railway expansion.
On the sidelines of the event, Majhi listened to the Prime Minister’s address on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and said the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women would strengthen their participation in governance.
The Chief Minister also distributed benefits under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana and handed over land titles to eligible beneficiaries.
Among those present were Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, Patna MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, Planning Board Chairman Dr Fakir Naik, Special Development Council Chairperson Mamita Singh, and Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh.
