Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the tender for construction of a diversion road from km 4/700 to km 11/500 of the Duduka-Gopalpur-Toparia road, linking with Sunajhar Road in Sundargarh district.
The existing Duduka-Gopalpur-Toparia MDR presently passes through the mining lease area of the Siarmal Open Cast Project. To meet operational requirements of the mining project and ensure uninterrupted public connectivity, the Government has decided to divert a 5.800 km stretch of the road.
The proposed 6-lane diversion road will significantly improve road connectivity within Sundargarh and towards the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. It aims to balance mining operations with public mobility while boosting regional development.
Officials said the road will unlock the tourism potential of Sundargarh district by improving access to destinations such as Khandadhar Waterfall, Vedvyas, Sarafgarh Dam, Kanakund Canyon, and other eco-tourism sites in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts.Enhanced connectivity is expected to encourage investment in hotels, resorts, restaurants, wayside amenities, and eco-tourism facilities. This will generate local employment and support economic development.
The project is expected to deliver significant socio-economic, tourism, and regional development benefits, contributing to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Sundargarh district and the State of Odisha.
The Cabinet has approved the final offer of the lowest EPC bidder, M/s D P Buidcon Limited, amounting to Rs 160,20,00,000, excluding applicable GST, for execution of the work. The project is targeted for completion within 18 calendar months.
