Odisha is on the cusp of a massive infrastructure transformation under the decisive leadership of Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, the state’s Law, Excise, and Works Minister. In a landmark announcement following a high-level review meeting, Harichandan laid out the government’s roadmap to construct 15,000 km of roads over the next three years, with 6,500 km to be delivered in FY 2025-26.
This expansive development drive, backed by a projected ₹2 lakh crore investment, is one of the most ambitious public works initiatives in the state’s history — signaling a new era of growth and connectivity under the BJP-led Odisha government.
“We are laying the groundwork for a stronger, faster, and more connected Odisha. Our vision is clear — infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, and this government is committed to building it at scale,” said Minister Harichandan.
A New Era in Infrastructure Governance: Odisha State Highways Authority Bill-2025
To accelerate the implementation of these projects, the Odisha Government will introduce the Odisha State Highways Authority Bill-2025 in the current Assembly session. The bill, approved by the Cabinet on March 21, proposes the creation of an autonomous, NHAI-style authority for the state.
The move will ensure time-bound execution, policy continuity, and institutional efficiency, addressing long-standing bottlenecks in road project execution across districts.
Strategic Corridors and Expressways: Unlocking Regional Potential
Minister Harichandan detailed a slew of strategic projects designed to foster regional integration and industrial growth. The Atal Expressway, a flagship six-lane corridor connecting Motu (Malkangiri) to Tiring (Mayurbhanj), will bridge the tribal hinterlands to Odisha’s economic zones.
In addition, the Greater Ring Road Project, one of the most ambitious in the state’s history, will dramatically boost intra-state mobility and trade logistics:
- Berhampur to Jeypore (287 km) – ₹9,000 crore
- Jeypore to Rourkela (six-lane expansion) – ₹2,500 crore
- Rourkela to Jaleswar (four-lane upgrade, 176 km) – ₹2,200 crore
These projects are expected to have a transformative impact on freight movement, regional development, and last-mile connectivity.
Six Super Corridors and a 75,000 km Vision
The Minister also announced six new industrial and economic corridors, designed as six-lane highways under the 75,000 km long-term road network vision. These corridors include:
- Jharsuguda–Balasore
- Nuapada–Astarang
- Brundabahal–Gopalpur
- Berhampur–Jeypore
- Jeypore–Rourkela
- Rourkela–Jaleswar
With strategic focus on tribal areas, border districts, and industrial belts, these corridors are expected to power Odisha’s journey towards becoming a logistics and trade powerhouse in Eastern India.
A Minister with a Mission
Widely regarded as a strategic mind in Odisha’s political landscape, Prithviraj Harichandan is bringing the same clarity and decisiveness to the Works Department that he’s known for in his roles as Law and Excise Minister. His integrated governance approach — linking legal reform, enforcement, and infrastructure development — is reshaping how government works for the people.
Odisha isn’t just laying roads. Under the leadership of Prithviraj Harichandan, the state is laying the foundation of a connected, empowered, and future-ready economy — one kilometer at a time.