Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved the widening and strengthening of the Bhawanipatna-Muniguda Road (SH-6) from two lanes to four lanes over a 26.31-km stretch in Rayagada district, at an estimated project cost of Rs 196.18 crore.
The project covers the road from 37/340 km to 63/650 km, including the strengthening of the existing road over a length of 3.93 km. The proposed 4.2-km Ambodala bypass has been excluded from the project, according to a Works Department press brief.
The Cabinet approved the lowest tender of Ashribad Eng. & Constructions Pvt. Ltd., amounting to Rs 130,68,52,175.95, for execution of the work.
The project is expected to improve connectivity and ease access for road users while reducing congestion and travel delays. The SH-6 corridor is an important link connecting Chhattisgarh and western Odisha with Visakhapatnam Port and Rayagada, as well as Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Paradip.
The upgraded road will directly benefit 29 villages in Muniguda tehsil of Rayagada district.
The corridor is also an important route for transporting agricultural produce, minerals and industrial goods. It supports major industries, including JK Paper Mills, IMFA, Vedanta Aluminium and Utkal Alumina.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to reduce transportation costs, enhance logistics efficiency and support industrial and economic activity in the region, the press brief said.
The project is also expected to benefit thousands of residents of Rayagada district, including a significant Scheduled Tribe population, by improving access to healthcare, education, markets, banking facilities and government welfare schemes.
Better connectivity is also expected to promote religious and tourism activities by improving access to the ancient Maa Majhighariani shrine and other tourist destinations in the district.
The project is targeted for completion within 24 calendar months.
