Nitin Gadkari launches 28 NH projects worth Rs 6,600cr in Odisha
Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 28 national highway (NH) projects worth Rs 6,600 crore in Odisha. Though his visit to Odisha was cancelled at the last minute, Gadkari launched these projects virtually. Among the inaugurated projects were a 79km four-lane road between Baharagora and Singhara on NH-49, valued at Rs 1,203 crore, and a 78km six-lane road from Chandikhol to Bhadrak on NH-16, costing Rs 2,035 crore.
Additionally, the minister laid the foundation stones for 26 other road infrastructure projects in the state.
During the event, Gadkari highlighted the significant progress in national highway development in Odisha since 2014.
The total length of national highways in the state has increased from 4,639 km to 5,753 km during this period. The ministry has allocated nearly Rs 1.50 lakh-crore for highway development in Odisha, he added.
From 2014 to 2024, around 4,250 km of roads were constructed in Odisha, with an expenditure of approximately Rs 33,000 crore, he said.
Furthermore, projects for another 1,312 km of national highways, with an investment of Rs 22,000 crore, are underway and expected to be completed during 2024-25, the minister said.
The ministry is also preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the construction of 746 km of roads with an estimated cost of Rs 60,000 crore, he said.
Gadkari announced plans for various projects, including a 111km greenfield ring road around Bhubaneswar city, costing Rs 6,253 crore.
This project will be divided into two packages
