The much-hyped Birmitrapur-Barkot four-lane highway construction work has not yet commenced due to the delay in land acquisition and forest and environment clearances. But the district administration of Sundargarh is hopeful to provide required land so that the road works starts by end of December next.
Gammon Infrastructure Projects limited (GIPl), a sister concern of Gammon India limited, was awarded tender for the much hyped Birmitrapur-Barkote highway project on May 31, 2012 by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in PPP mode for a whooping Rs1,000 crore. As per the contract, out of 25 years, construction should be completed in 2.5 years and during the rest 22.5 year, toll collection would be made.
During the construction of the 126 km highway, the major structures to be constructed comprise Shankha bridge, Brahmani bridge, Suidhi bridge, near lathikata, Amrodhi(Darjing) and Kuradhi(Balughat).
Railway over bridges (ROB) would be constructed at Panposh, Champajharan and Chandiposh. Fly over/Interchange/Grade Separator would also be constructed at Birmitrapur, Vedvyas and Panposh Chowk.
There would be two toll gates, one at Darjing and another at Barkot. The GIPl has promoted an office at Rourkela and named it Birmitrapur Barkot Highway Pvt ltd since last year for the commencement of the Birmitrapur-Barkot four lane highway works but to their agony, the NHAI has not yet provided land with necessary clearance to start the project work.
As per the NHAI contract, the project should have commenced by December 1, 2012 by Birmitrapur Barkot Highway Pvt ltd (Promoted by Gammon Infrastructure) by GIPl but till now, the project work has not kicked off due to delay in land acquisition, forest clearance and environmental clearance. “The NHAI should have provided us 60 meter width encumbrance free road to start the Birmitrapur-Barkot four lane highway works, but till now we have not been provided the same,” said the Birmitrapur-Barkot Highway Pvt ltd project head. Even if ten months have elapsed, land acquisition work has not yet been completed.
On September 12 last, a public hearing for environmental clearance for Sundargarh district had been organised at Rajamunda and on October 1 last, a public hearing for environmental clearance for Deogarh district at Barkot was also held.
“We are here to do the project. Hopefully, by end of December next, land acquisition will be completed and we will get the required land for commencement of our work. Administration also requires public support for this project.” added the project head.
“We anticipate that by end of December 2013, 80 per cent of land will be provided for commencement of works,” ADM and land acquisition officer Rabindra Nath Mishra.
The four lane highway will not only help in clearing the traffic congestion in the area but also it will provide wage employment to several people. After completion, the four lane highway from Birmitrapur-Barkot will definitely add to the scenic beauty of the area and provide a better commutting experience to the travelers, said sources.