Highways to Heaven: Odisha's ₹44,771 Cr Plan.

The Union government has approved road projects worth ₹44,771 crore for Odisha, covering major upgrades to both National and State Highways.

Odisha Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced the approvals after meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on 9 December 2025. The projects, planned for implementation in 2025–26, include major works on five National Highways, five State Highways, and several Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) projects. Key initiatives include widening the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway and developing the 140 km Tangi–Puintola–Ichchapuram corridor.

Also approved are a 400 km Rourkela–Barbil–Paradip road and a 68 km stretch of Pallahada–Pitiri under NH-149. An additional ₹13,141 crore has been earmarked for improving five state highways, including major four-laning works. Harichandan also discussed a greenfield Bhubaneswar–Paradip connectivity project, which Gadkari said would significantly benefit the port city and strengthen regional infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.