Context:

• The Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of three major highway projects with an investment worth Rs 2,345 crores in Odisha. The projects are aimed at ensuring speedy development in the state. The three highway projects are expected to considerably improve connectivity of mineral-rich Angul and Dhenkanal districts with the rest of Odisha

The Three National Highway projects:

• Four-Laning of 41.7-km Talcher-Kamakhyanagar section of NH 200/23 (new NH 53) at a cost of Rs 795.18 crore.
• Four-Laning of 51.1-km Kamakhyanagar-Duburi section of NH 200 (new NH 53) at a cost of Rs 761.11 crore.
• Four Laning of 39.4-km Duburi-Chandikhole section of NH 200 (new NH 53) at a cost of Rs 789.23 crore.

Impact of the Project:

• The new projects will have appropriate structures to reduce traffic congestion and ensure the safety of road users.
• The new structures include three bypasses, one flyover, 19 vehicular underpasses, nine major and 39 minor bridges and a 45-km of the service road.
• The projects will reduce traffic congestion and travel time, which will help in reducing the operating costs of vehicles and bring down the level of pollution.
• The projects will also help in generating employment opportunities in the region and improve the socio-economic condition of local people.