Odisha approaches Centre to approve 99 road projects

BHUBANESWAR: The state government has approached the Central government to sanction 99 more road projects worth Rs.9 00 crore in 12 Left-wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts to strengthen surface communication.

According to the officials, the state works department sent a list containing 97 roads and two bridges in the LWE-districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur and Boudh.

As a part of phases I and II of the Centre’s road requirement, there were around 100 road projects under construction, said Nalini  Kanta Pradhan, EIC-cum Secretary, Works Department, Government of Odisha. She further informed that the proposed roads would boost connectivity in the LWE-hit areas and accelerate development.

Sources informed that out of 99 roads, 27 roads will be constructed in the most LWE affected districts Malkangiri and Koraput costing Rs. 240 crore. 10 roads will be built in Kalahandi, Nine in Kandhamal, six in Nuapada , eleven roads in Balangir , four roads in Bargarh, seven roads each in Deogarh, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Sambalpur and four in Boudh.

The state government has given the highest priority to strengthening infrastructure in the LWE-hit districts and the project assumes its significance. An official said, the Chief secretary, A P Padhi regularly reviewed the status of the ongoing projects.

Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, recently dedicated the 910 meter Gurupriya bridge in Malkangiri connecting the cut-off areas.  A special package of Rs 100 crore was also announced by the chief minister in order to accelerate the development rate. The money will be spent on enhancing road connectivity, providing electricity connection, drinking water, and livelihood support and strengthening healthcare services in the area.