Advertisement
In this episode of Prop Personalities, we sit down with Hars...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Welcome to Prop Personalities by Prop News Time - a podcast ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Why does the same hotel brand operate multiple properties in...
The Odisha government has announced plans to convert roads leading to mining areas into 8-lane highways as part of a broader infrastructure push in mineral-rich districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement while laying the foundation stone for the INR 1,581.21 crore Barbil bypass-cum-ring road project in Keonjhar district. The 18.3-km project forms part of a wider programme that includes multiple infrastructure works, power projects, and industrial initiatives. The move is aimed at improving logistics efficiency, supporting mining-linked transportation, and strengthening connectivity between industrial clusters and ports. The plan also includes expediting the Barbil Paradip corridor and enhancing regional infrastructure to support large-scale investments and employment generation.
The Odisha government has announced plans to convert all roads leading to mining areas into 8-lane highways, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlining the proposal during a project launch event in Keonjhar district earlier this week. Advertisement
The announcement was made while laying the foundation stone for the Barbil bypass-cum-ring road project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity in the mineral-rich region. The proposed ring road will span 18.326 km and is being developed at an estimated cost of INR 1,581.21 crore.
The decision to upgrade mining-linked roads reflects the state's focus on strengthening logistics infrastructure in areas with high industrial and extraction activity. Mining districts such as Keonjhar handle significant freight movement, particularly of iron ore and related materials, placing sustained pressure on existing road networks. The proposed expansion to 8-lane corridors is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the efficiency of cargo movement
Alongside the highway expansion plan, the Chief Minister directed authorities to expedite work on the Barbil Paradip road, which serves as a key route linking mining zones to coastal export hubs. Improving this corridor is expected to facilitate faster evacuation of minerals and support industrial supply chains across the state.
During the event, the state government also outlined a broader package of infrastructure and industrial initiatives in the region. This included the inauguration of 24 projects worth INR 29.41 crore and the foundation laying for 51 additional projects with a combined outlay of INR 326.43 crore.
In addition to road infrastructure, a grid substation project in Keonjhar with an investment of INR 1,647 crore has been approved, aimed at ensuring reliable power supply for both industrial and residential demand. The state is also progressing plans for a mega steel plant in the district, with preparatory work underway.
Officials indicated that the integrated approach combining road expansion, power infrastructure, and industrial development is intended to support long-term economic activity in the region. The government has also stated that it will extend administrative support to large-scale investments exceeding INR 10,000 crore that generate significant employment in the district.
The emphasis on infrastructure development aligns with the state's broader objective of strengthening connectivity across districts and improving industrial competitiveness. Mining corridors, in particular, are being prioritised due to their role in supporting export-oriented industries and heavy freight movement.
The highway expansion plan is expected to complement ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects across Odisha, contributing to improved logistics efficiency and reduced travel time for both industrial and passenger traffic. The implementation timeline and execution strategy for the 8-lane upgrades will be critical in determining the pace at which these benefits are realised across the state's mining regions.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
