Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to formulate a special policy for the construction, repair, and improvement of roads across the state. A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to discuss the roadmap for streamlining transport infrastructure.
The meeting, held at the Second Floor Conference Room of Lok Seva Bhawan, was attended by Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on addressing challenges in road development and ensuring better coordination between departments to prevent unnecessary road damage due to utility installations.
As part of the new policy, the government aims to construct 75,000 kilometers of roads over the next five years, at a target rate of 15,000 kilometers per year. This will include roads and bridges under the National Highways, Works, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Urban Development Departments.
To avoid frequent road excavation for laying water pipes, electricity lines, and telecommunication cables, the state plans to develop special utility corridors along major roads. Additionally, measures will be taken to preserve the environment by planting saplings along roadsides and relocating large trees with modern machinery instead of cutting them. The policy will also define construction methods and standards for short, medium, and long bridges at various locations.
Recognizing the challenges posed by land acquisition in rural areas, a special financial provision will be introduced to facilitate smoother project implementation. The policy will also emphasize regular inspection and maintenance of roads, especially before, during, and after the monsoon season, to ensure better durability.
The review meeting also explored the use of waste materials in road construction, adoption of modern technology to enhance road safety, and innovative construction techniques to minimize environmental impact.
Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretary, Works Department, Vir Vikram Yadav; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Girish S.N.; Commissioner, State Transport Authority, Amitabh Thakur; EIC (Civil), Purnachandra Mohapatra; Director, Panchayati Raj, Maheshwar Swain; Vice Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, N. Tirumala Naik; and senior officials from various departments.
