Odisha To Get Major Highway Boost As NH-316, NH-16 Set For Six-Lane Expansion

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to witness a major boost in road infrastructure as two important national highway stretches — NH-316 connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri and a key section of NH-16 from Tangi to Ichchapuram — will be upgraded into six-lane controlled-access corridors.

The development gained momentum after Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan held discussions with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Monday.

Harichandan said the Centre responded positively to the state government’s proposals and directed officials to initiate the necessary steps for implementation.

According to the minister, the Bhubaneswar-Puri stretch of NH-316 will be developed into a six-lane controlled-access highway with continuous service roads to ease increasing traffic congestion on the busy route connecting the state capital with the pilgrim town.

Similarly, the Tangi-Puintala-Berhampur-Ichchapuram section of NH-16 will also be expanded into a six-lane corridor with service roads. Harichandan said preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) and the tendering process are expected to begin soon.

The Odisha government has also sought early approval for the proposal to upgrade the Puri-Brahmagiri-Satpada road into a four-lane highway in view of rising tourist and local traffic in the region.

In another key development for Bhubaneswar, Gadkari reportedly directed officials to widen the service road stretch from Palasuni to Khandagiri and Tamando into an eight-lane corridor to reduce heavy traffic congestion along the route.

Harichandan said the proposed highway projects would significantly improve connectivity, ensure smoother transportation and support economic growth across various parts of Odisha.