Around 451 km of coastal highway has been proposed to be constructed under Bharatmala Pariyojana along the coastal line of Odisha.
A high-level meeting of the National High Way Authorities of India (NHAI), Odisha region held under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner and Chief Secretary in-charge R Balakrishnan on Saturday considered the proposed alignment of the highway.
Chief General Manager (CGM) of NHAI Dharmanada Sarangi made a power point presentation about the proposal. Considering the proposal, Development Commissioner Balakrishnan directed to make the road architect aesthetically and environmentally compatible in consultation with Forest and CRZ authorities. He also directed to plan the alignment in such a manner that it boosts the tourism and port based industrial activities in the State. The NHAI was also advised to share the plan with the respective departments and Collectors for their considered inputs.
CGM Sarangi said that presently the proposed road proceeds through Chhatraput - Satapada, Konark- Astaragnga-Nuagaon-Paradip–Ratanpur-Satabhaya-Dhamara-Basudevpur-Talapada-Chandipur-Chandaneswar–Digha. Out of the total length of 451 km, around 29 km come under Ganjam district, 153 under Puri district, 54 km under Jagatsinghpur, 49 km under Kendrapada, 61km under Bhandrakh, 99km under Baleswar and 6 km connecting east Medinipur in West Bengal. More than 178 villages in all these districts would be connected by road.
There would bridges over river Rushikulya, Palur sahib canal, Chilka lake, river Dhanikhiya, Nua, Khushabhadra, Kadua, Devi, Hansua, Mahanadi, Gobari, Patashala, Brahmani, Baitarani, Mantei, Panchapara, Dubdubi and Subarnarekha . Besides, bypasses would be constructed near Bajrakote, Maludkhas, Brahmagiri, Rebana Nuagoan, Konark, Gagua, Jarimul, Gula, Basudevpur, Anantapur, Gopalpur, Rasalpur and Panchupali. The road would provide a boost to tourism and industrial activities in the region. It would also serve a high way linkage to all ports in the State.
Development Commissioner Sri Balakrishnan advised the NHAI to follow the principles like alignment of the road close to coast line in accordance with CRZ rules, develop and use the existing roads wherever possible, by pass densely populated areas, avoid wild life sanctuaries and forest areas to the extent possible.
Available data show so far two expert consultants have been engaged for preliminary survey and preparation of the DPR. In the meanwhile, preliminary survey has been done and preliminary alignment of the road has been suggested. Detail project reports are expected to be completed by February, 2017.