Timeline Fixed For NH Projects In Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: A high-level team from National High Way Authorities of India (NHAI) led by its Chairman Raghav Chandra interacted with officials of Odisha government over the issues relating to improvement of around 1912 km of NH running through the state.

The NHAI and state government fixed the timeline for each work.

Regarding the issue of shifting of the toll plazas and collection of toll fees,  both the NHAI and state government agreed that state would give a detailed proposal on the matter to the NHAI for consideration of the Ministry.

Decisions would be taken keeping in view the convenience of the people.

NHAI Chairman said, “Odisha is a very fast progressing state from the viewpoints of industrialization and tourism. The state is also very important from the viewpoint of its location. As such, NHAI would work in close coordination with state administration for improvement of roads.”

Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi assured that state would expedite all the works and provide necessary support for early completion of the projects.

 The progress of the works like 6-laning of Bhubaneswar-Chandikhol section of NH-5 ( 67Kms) , 4-laning of Panikoili-Rimuli section of NH-215 ( 166 km), 4-laaning of Talcher-Duburi-Chandikhol section of NH-23 ( 132 Km), 4 laning of Rimuli-Roxy-Rajamunda section of NH-215 ( 96Km), 4-laning of Bhubaneswar-Puri section of NH-203 ( 67Km), were reviewed in the meeting.

The matters relating to forest diversion, environmental clearance, availability of road construction materials, disbursement of compensation awards to people, tree felling in forest land, GPS survey, etc. were discussed and resolved in the meeting. Timelines were set for each work.

 The status of new upcoming NH projects in Odisha also figured in the meeting. These project included 4-laning of the Singara-Binjabahal section of NH-6 ( 104 KM), 4-laning of Binjabahal-Telibani section of NH-6 (77 km), 4-laning of the Cuttack-Angul section of NH-42 (112km), 4-laning of Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55 ( 153 km) and 4 laning of Biramitrapur-Rajamunda section of NH-23 ( 76km).

 Works Secretary Nalinikanta Pradhan participating in discussions raised the issues like repair and maintenance of   Pani-Koili-Champua ( NH-20) , Pasora-Rimuli-Rajamunda ( NH-520), incomplete works in Bhubaneswar-Puri section of NH-316, construction of flyover at Khandagiri on NH-16, construction of flyover at approach road to info-valley-II, completion of the junction at Palasuni NH-16, construction of Belbahali bridge on Panikoili-Rimuli NH-20  and compliance to recommendations on  road safety.

Padhi explained about the necessity and importance of these projects.

Chandra said that works should go ahead basing on the resolution of today’s meeting. It was also decided that NHAI will engage retired OAS and OFS officers for expediting the land acquisition and forest diversion proposals.