Bhubaneswar: In a major infrastructure push for western Odisha, the state government Monday decided to upgrade the Bhawanipatna Khariar road from two lanes to four, addressing a long-pending demand of people in Bhawanipatna and surrounding areas.
Announcing the decision, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the Bhawanipatna–Khariar four-lane project is expected to become a key driver of long-term socio-economic growth in west ern Odisha.
As part of the project, five major bridges and 15 minor bridges will be constructed along the nearly 70-km route.
The old bridge over the Tel River will also be repaired and renovated, sources in the Works department said.
The sources said approximately Rs 640 crore has been allocated for the road project, while an estimated Rs 91 crore will be spent on bridge infra structure.
The minister said the four-laning of the road would ensure faster, smoother and safer transportation between Bhawanipatna and Khariar, making travel easier for people in nearby villages and improving access to markets, towns and essential services.
He said, “Improved Road infrastructure would enable passenger buses, ambulances and private vehicles to travel more efficiently, reducing travel time and fuel consumption.
” The improved connectivity is also expected to benefit small farmers and traders by making it easier to transport paddy, vegetables, forest produce and other goods to markets, thereby strengthening local economic activity, he said.
Harichandan further said the four-lane road is likely to attract commercial growth along the route, including shops, fuel pumps, hotels, warehouses and small-scale industries, generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities.
“The project is also expected to improve access to schools, colleges, hospitals and government offices, while enhanced road safety measures could help reduce accidents.
Additionally, the upgraded route may promote tourism in the region by making travel more convenient,” he added.
The minister emphasised that the road will play a crucial role during natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, by ensuring better connectivity to interior areas for relief and emergency services.
