Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha CM to Upgrade Roads for Coal Transport in Angul
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking his personal intervention to strengthen coal transportation and industrial infrastructure in Angul district.
In his letter, Pradhan stressed the urgent need to upgrade and widen State Highway-63 (Chhendipada–Angul) and construct bypasses in densely populated areas. He also proposed the expansion of the Chhendipada–Jarapada main road to ease the growing transportation burden.
Highlighting Angul’s strategic importance, the Union Minister noted that the district, located in central Odisha, has a population of around 15 lakh and contributes nearly 5 per cent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Rich in coal reserves, Angul currently produces about 116 million tonnes (MT) of coal annually, with projections indicating a rise to 250–300 MT by 2033.
He further pointed out that Angul is emerging as a major hub for heavy industries such as steel, aluminium, and thermal power, along with advanced manufacturing and ancillary MSMEs. Key industrial establishments in the region include the NALCO Smelter Plant, NTPC Kaniha, Talcher Super Thermal Power Station, and the coal mines operated by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), all of which play a crucial role in ensuring Odisha’s energy security.
Pradhan emphasised that the Chhendipada tehsil alone holds nearly one-sixth of India’s total coal reserves, making it critically important for the country’s energy sector. However, he noted that existing road infrastructure, particularly SH-63 and the Chhendipada–Jarapada Road, is inadequate to handle the heavy volume of coal transportation. These roads pass through densely populated areas, leading to frequent traffic congestion, accidents, and public inconvenience.
To address these challenges, the Minister proposed converting the two-lane SH-63 into a four-lane highway and constructing bypasses to ease traffic flow and improve safety. He also recommended widening the Chhendipada–Jarapada Road, which connects mining areas to National Highway-55 and the railway corridor, to create an alternative route and streamline coal logistics.
Pradhan said improved connectivity would not only facilitate smoother coal transport but also attract fresh investments and boost socio-economic development in the region by creating opportunities for trade, employment, and overall growth.
The letter is expected to prompt swift action from the state government to fast-track these critical infrastructure projects in Angul district, which holds immense importance for Odisha and the country’s energy sector.
