Odisha govt discusses 450 km coastal highway alignment

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday discussed the alignment of around 450 km of coastal highway, which will be constructed along the coastal line in Odisha.

The draft alignment of the road was discussed at a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here.

Considering the proposal, Padhi advised the NHAI to preserve the coastal character of the proposed coastal highway.

He further directed that the tourism, commercial port and public benefit prospects also be kept in view while finalizing the alignment of the NH.

Further, Padhi directed that the highways under renovation and expansion should be kept in motorable condition from safety points of view.

He emphasized that road safety should be given priority while constructing the roads.

NHAI member Anand Kumar Singh assured that the suggestions given by district collectors would be complied within a month.

Chief Secretary also asked the NHAI to fix signages road indicators in Odia on all NH passing through Odisha.

Padhi advised that the signages should be both in Odia and English languages. Development Commissioner R.Balakrishnan said, “Since there an Act for use of Odia language and State Cabinet has resolved definite directions in this matter, the absence of Odia sign boards may amount to an offence”.

Singh assured that it would be complied within shortest possible time.

Replying to a media query after the meeting, Padhi said that around 450 km of the coastal highway would be constructed in Odisha.

“Today we discussed alignment of the roads. The issues relating to Puri-Konark marine drive road, alignment at Astanarag Port, Jambu forest area, Bhitarkanika reserve forest, proposed ports, alignment of the road at Satapada, bridge over the lake Chilika etc were discussed and resolved. Suggestions were given to NHAI for consideration,’ he added.

Singh said, “Coastal NH is an ambitious programme of the Government of India and it will be developed as an economic and tourism corridor. NHAI has prepared a draft project. Since Government of Odisha is a major stakeholder in the project, the issues regarding its alignment were thoroughly discussed in the meeting. Many valuable suggestions and inputs were given by the State. NHAI will make all efforts to finalize the alignment of the NH as per suggestions of the State”

Available data show the proposed road will connect the places like Ratanpur- Satapada-Korak-Astrang-Chilika-Satabhaya-Dhamara-Basudevpur-Talapada-Chandipur-Chandaneswar–Digha.

Out of the total length of 451 km, around 29 km come under Ganjam district, 153 km come under Puri district, 54 km come under Jagatsinghpur, 49 km under Kendrapara, 61kms under Bhadrak, 99 km under Balasore district and 6 km connecting east Medinipur in West Bengal.

The road would provide a boost to tourism and industrial activities in the region. It would also serve a high way linkage to all ports in the State.

The preliminary survey has been conducted and the basis of survey reports a feasibility proposal has been prepared. The project will be given a final shape after finalization of the alignment.