Bhubaneswar: Odisha is in a strong position in infrastructure development, with several major projects underway and more set to begin soon, Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said Saturday, stressing the government’s commitment to delivering quality public infrastructure.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, the minister assessed progress of ongoing state highway projects, works undertaken by OBCC, and initiatives aimed at easing traffic congestion in major cities, including Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Cuttack, Rourkela, Puri, Balasore, Keonjhar and Berhampur.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on preparing a comprehensive three-year action plan for the effective implementation of development projects. Discussions also focused on road widening, ensuring regular maintenance, and improving infrastructure around major temples. The minister highlighted the need to develop “Way Side Amenity Centres” along highways to provide essential facilities for commuters.
Additionally, the minister directed departmental officials and engineers to fast-track development work on nearly 3,300 km of roads recently transferred from the Rural Development department to the Works department. He emphasised that all projects must be completed within stipulated timelines to deliver benefits to the public more quickly.
Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh provided a detailed briefing on the various projects undertaken by the department. The meeting was attended by senior officials including EIC-cum-Special Secretary Er. Laxmi Kanta Padhi, Additional Secretary Deepak Ranjan Das, EIC (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, EIC (Design, Planning & Coordination) Sameer Hota, Advisor JK Das, EIC (Roads) Dhyanchand Nayak, Chief Engineer (National Highways) Narayan Patel, Chief Construction Engineer Manoj Mahananda and Chief Engineer Shivabrata Taria, among others.