Dharmendra performs Bhoomi Pujan of NH projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday performed Bhoomi Pujan for three National Highway projects of 119.5 km to be built at a cost of Rs 2067.5 crore in Odisha.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Khandagiri Chhak here.

The projects are six laning of Bhadrak-Balasore section of NH-5 (new NH-16), six laning of Tangi-Bhubaneswar section of NH-5 (new NH-16) and three vehicular underpasses at Balikuda, Sikhapur and Badachana of Bhubaneswar-Chandikhole section of NH-5 (new NH-16).

These include four flyovers, 19 vehicular underpasses, five major bridges, 11 minor bridges and 83 km service road. It will result in generation of better employment opportunities, substantial gain in terms of reduced Vehicle Operating Cost (VOC), reduction in travel time in the routes and reduction in traffic congestion.

“The projects will give a boost to State’s economy, generate employment opportunities & help improve socio-economic condition of the people. With the Golden Quadrilateral project, former PM Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji gave four lane roads and now PM Narendra Modi is developing them into six lane,” Pradhan said.

“There was a demand for an underpass at Balikuda, Sikharpur and Badachana of Bhubaneswar-Chandikhole Section of NH to reduce traffic congestion and ensure safety of commuters. I thank Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and National Highways Authority of India for taking steps in this regards,” he said.