The Union Cabinet has approved the Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass) project in Odisha, spanning 110 km with a cost of ₹8307.74 crore. This 6-lane highway will pass through Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, connecting three National Highways and one State Highway. It will ease traffic congestion and boost regional economic development.
New Delhi: In a significant boost for Odisha, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Bhubaneswar Bypass, also known as the Capital Region Ring Road Project, with an estimated cost of ₹8307.74 crore. This 110-kilometer-long, 6-lane highway will be constructed on the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Aimed at improving road transport and logistics, the project will pass through key urban areas such as Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, and will be connected to NH-55, NH-57, NH-655, and SH-65. This will reduce traffic pressure, lower logistics costs, and accelerate socio-economic development.
To Connect Three National Highways and One State Highway
The Bhubaneswar Bypass project will be connected to three National Highways and one State Highway, including NH-55, NH-57, and NH-655. Additionally, it will also connect to State Highway SH-65, further strengthening the road network of the capital region. Officials state that the construction of this new highway will facilitate the movement of goods and passengers not only locally but also across Eastern India.
Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack to be Included
This ring road will pass through Odisha's busiest urban areas, including major cities like Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. Currently, these cities face problems of congestion and overcrowding due to increasing population and traffic pressure. The new bypass will alleviate this issue by diverting heavy vehicles away from the city, significantly reducing the traffic burden in these areas.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that this project was essential given the increasing traffic between Rameswar and Tangi. He said that the bypass would not only relieve urban congestion but also reduce travel time. Local residents will have the opportunity to move around the city comfortably, and vehicles traveling long distances will have an alternative route.
Direct Connection to Logistics Centers
The most significant feature of this project is that it will provide direct connectivity to major economic, social, and logistics centers, including key railway stations, airports, and the proposed multi-modal logistics park. Furthermore, the road will provide easy access to the state's two major ports, directly benefiting businesses and industries involved in maritime trade.
Saving Time and Fuel
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this project will be very beneficial for heavy commercial vehicles. The road's width and improved connectivity will save transporters both time and fuel. This will reduce logistics costs and increase the competitiveness of industries.
Another major benefit of the Bhubaneswar Bypass is that it will connect the state's major religious and economic centers. Access to religious cities like Puri, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar will become even easier. Millions of devotees visit these cities every year. In this context, the new bypass will prove to be a convenient route for travelers.
Significant Role in Employment
According to official estimates, this project will generate approximately 74.43 lakh direct employment days and 93.04 lakh indirect employment days during its construction. This means that a large number of local people will get employment in the construction work. In addition, new job opportunities will be created in related industries and services after the road is completed.
Important Project for Odisha and Eastern India
Experts say that this project will not be limited to Odisha alone but will transform the entire landscape of Eastern India. Improved road transport will improve connectivity with neighboring states. Industry, tourism, and trade will be promoted. Also, products from rural areas will be able to reach larger markets easily.
