Towards a Seamless Transport-Driven Odisha
Odisha is stepping into a transformative phase, positioning itself as a model state for integrated and modern transport connectivity. With a massive ₹10,000 crore investment, the state government is undertaking an ambitious infrastructure revamp aimed at easing urban congestion, accelerating industrial movement, and enhancing access to tourism destinations. The ultimate goal: to build a seamless, high-efficiency transport ecosystem that bridges cities, industrial clusters, and heritage circuits.
New Bypasses to Decongest and Connect
A central element of this infrastructure push involves the construction of bypass corridors across the state. Currently, 10 bypass roads covering 48 km are under various stages of construction, with 6 more bypasses spanning 32 km greenlit for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Together, these projects account for nearly ₹1,770 crore in investment.
Strategically planned across locations such as Dhenkanal, Berhampur, Jharsuguda, Bhawanipatna, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Bhubaneswar, and Khordha, the bypasses are designed to:
· Divert heavy traffic from city centres
· Improve travel efficiency for freight and commuters
· Ensure faster last-mile connectivity to ports, industrial estates, and key tourist spots
These bypasses will help not just in decongesting roads but also in supporting the state’s long-term economic ambitions by reducing logistics costs and improving turnaround time for industries.
Cuttack at the Epicentre of Transformation
Among all districts, Cuttack has emerged as the linchpin of Odisha’s transport overhaul. A planned six-lane express corridor is set to run along the Kathajodi River, linking Khannagar to Judicial Academy Chhak over 7 km. Backed by a ₹245 crore investment, the project is scheduled to begin after the monsoon and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Simultaneously, the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) is spearheading an eco-riverfront project near Baranga tehsil, encompassing 200 acres. Over 60% of the area will be green zones, featuring parks, open gyms, and recreational areas. This complements the ongoing ₹220 crore Mahanadi Riverfront beautification, which focuses on sustainable urban development while improving the city’s liveability and aesthetic value.
Ring Roads to Unclog Arteries and Power Access
In another major step, the state has approved an 8-km Outer Ring Road connecting Cuttack to Athagarh, which will significantly improve access to both pilgrimage and industrial zones. The route will provide smoother connectivity to landmarks like Anshupa Lake, Bhattarika Temple, Dhabaleshwar, and Singhanath Peeth, while also facilitating freight movement to industries like TS Alloys, Aarti Steels, and AMTECH Metals.
Capital Region Greenfield Highway: The Crown Jewel
At a macro level, the most ambitious project under this plan is the 110-km Greenfield Capital Region Ring Road, a ₹8,300 crore initiative aimed at bypassing the highly congested NH-16 corridor that links Khurda, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
This six-lane highway will stretch from Rameshwar in Khordha to Tangi near Cuttack and is expected to cut travel time by up to 40 minutes. Approved by an inter-ministerial committee, the project awaits clearance from the Union Cabinet. It will be executed under the hybrid annuity model within a 2.5-year timeline. The ₹1,029 crore land acquisition cost will be equally shared by the Centre and the Odisha government.
Beyond Roads: Future Modes in the Pipeline
While road connectivity forms the backbone of this overhaul, Odisha is also exploring multi-modal transport integration. Projects like urban cable cars in Bhubaneswar, dedicated cycling corridors, and feasibility studies for metro rail and riverine transport are already in early planning stages. These developments aim to create a multi-layered mobility grid that’s inclusive, sustainable, and scalable.
Paving the Road to an Efficient Future
Odisha’s ₹10,000 crore transport transformation is not just about concrete roads and expressways—it’s about laying the groundwork for inclusive growth, ease of living, and industrial competitiveness. By reimagining Cuttack as a connectivity hub and investing in long-term infrastructure, the state is gearing up to become a beacon for transport-driven development. If executed efficiently, this vision could reshape how Odisha moves, works, and thrives.
(With agency inputs)
