Gadkari to Launch Rs 3,300 Crore Highway and Bridge Projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to visit Odisha on April 17 to lay the foundation stones and inaugurate several key infrastructure projects valued at over ₹3,300 crore. The projects are aimed at enhancing road connectivity and improving transportation infrastructure across the state.

According to official sources, Gadkari will launch a total of 17 projects during his visit, which include 13 National Highway (NH) works and four major bridge projects under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). Together, these projects span over 110 kilometres and cover key districts such as Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh.

The 13 NH projects, with an estimated investment of ₹2,905 crore, focus on the construction of new roads, widening of existing routes, and geometric improvements. Most of the works involve double-laning with paved shoulders, aimed at ensuring better safety, smoother travel, and improved road quality.

In addition, four bridge projects under the CRIF—worth ₹427 crore—will be taken up to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity, especially during monsoon-induced floods. These bridges are proposed on critical routes like the Berhampur-Gopalpur and Rourkela-Biramitrapur roads.

Gadkari will also dedicate two completed National Highway projects to the nation during his visit. These include road stretches covering 44 km under NH-59 and NH-130CD, constructed at a cost of ₹841 crore.

The minister’s visit and the launch of these high-value infrastructure projects are expected to significantly contribute to the state’s economic growth and road transport efficiency.