Odisha seeks early completion of BBSR-Puri NH

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday sought the intervention of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for completion of Bhubaneswar-Puri national highway-203.

“The road is extremely important from the point of view of tourism as it connects the state capital with the holy city of Lord Jagannath,” said the Chief Minister in a letter to Gadkari.

The project was earlier envisaged for completion before Nabakalebara Festival in July 2015.

He said more than 70% works were completed, and the inauguration of the road was also done by Gadkari on July 9, 2015, before the Rath Yatra.

He said toll collection on the partially completed road has also been continuing from mid-October with full administrative support from the state.

“But, it is observed that the balance works of Chandanpur ROB and Puri bypass have not been resumed after the Rath Yatra causing traffic inconvenience and public discontentment. Under the circumstances, I request your personal intervention,” said the Chief Minister.