• Source:JND

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed its preparations to commence work on the Capital Region Ring Road project.

With all mandatory clearances, including environmental approvals, secured, construction on this ambitious project is set to begin soon. According to officials, efforts are underway to start the work by the first week of April.

This approximately 111-kilometer-long access-controlled corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Additionally, it will provide substantial relief to commuters and local residents in the Khurda district.

Route: From Rameshwar To Bilipada

The proposed ring road will stretch from Rameshwar to Bilipada in the Khurda district. Developed as a greenfield project, the primary objective of this corridor is to divert heavy traffic away from urban areas, thereby easing bottlenecks on National Highway-16 and other major routes within Khurda, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.

NHAI Chief General Manager (CGM) Virendra Singh stated that the project will be completed in three phases at an estimated cost of Rs 8,300 crore. The target is to make the road fully operational within two and a half years.

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Tendering Process In Final Stages

The tendering process is progressing according to schedule, with the deadline for submissions ending this past Friday. The project has been divided into three packages, receiving approximately 15 bids for each. Officials expect the work orders to be issued within the next month and a half.

Controlled Access For Smooth Transit

To prevent unnecessary congestion, the Capital Region Ring Road will feature only eight designated entry and exit points. This controlled access system will ensure maintained vehicle speeds and significantly reduce travel time. Furthermore, keeping wildlife conservation in mind, a seven-meter-high underpass will be constructed along the corridor specifically for elephant movement.

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Infrastructure And Land Acquisition

The project includes the construction of:

  • 125 underpasses
  • 300 culverts
  • 4 Wayside Amenities: Including petrol pumps, eateries and vehicle repair centers.

A total of 660 acres of land is required for the project. Of this, 220 acres belong to the government or public institutions, while the remaining 440 acres have been acquired from private landowners. The completion of the Capital Region Ring Road is expected to not only improve traffic management but also provide a new impetus to the overall development of the capital region.


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