‘Bhratmala Pariyojana’ to cover 451 kms of Coastal High Way
The Union government’s ambitious ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’ to cover around 451 kms of coastal high way along the coastal line of Odisha.
A high level meeting of National High Way Authorities of India (NHAI), Odisha Region held under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner and Chief Secretary in charge Sri R. Balakrishnan in the secretariat conference hall on Saturday considered the proposed alignment of the high way. Sri Dharmanada Sarangi, Chief General Manager (CGM) of NHAI made a power point presentation about the proposal.
Considering the proposal, Development Commissioner Balakrishnan directed to make the road architect aesthetically and environmentally compatible in consultation with Forest and CRZ authorities. He also directed to plan the alignment in such a manner that it boosts the tourism and port based industrial activities in the State. NHAI was also advised to share the plan with the respective departments and collectors for their considered inputs.
Chief General Manager said that presently the proposed road proceeds through Chhatraput – Satapada, Konark- Astaragnga- Nuagaon-Paradeep–Ratanpur- Satabhaya-Dhamara- Basudevpur-Talapada- Chandipur-Chandaneswar–Digha. Out of the total length of 451 kms around 29 kms come under Ganjam district, 153 kms come under Puri district, 54 kms come under Jagatsinghpur, 49 kms under Kendrapara, 61kms under Bhandrakh , 99kms under Balasore district and 6 km connecting east Medinipur in West Bengal.
More than 178 villages in all these districts would be connected by the road. There would bridges over river Rushikulya, Palur sahib canal, Chilka lake, river Dhanikhiya, Nua, Khushabhadra, Kadua, Devi, Hansua, Mahanadi, Gobari, Patashala, Brahmani, Baitarani, Mantei, Panchapara, Dubdubi and Subarnarekha . Besides, bypasses would be constructed near Bajrakote, Maludkhas, Brahmagiri, Rebana Nuagoan, Konark, Gagua, Jarimul, Gula, Basudevpur, Anantapur, Gopalpur, Rasalpur and Panchupali . The road would provide a boost to tourism and industrial activities in the region. It would also serve a high way linkage to all ports in the State.
Development Commissioner Sri Balakrishnan advised NHAI to follow the principles like alignment of the road close to coast line in accordance with CRZ rules, develop and use the existing roads wherever possible, by pass densely populated areas, avoid wild life sanctuaries and forest areas to the extent possible. Available data show so far 2 expert consultants have been engaged for preliminary survey and preparation of the DPR.
Meanwhile, preliminary survey has been done and preliminary alignment of the road has been suggested. Detail Project reports are expected to be completed by Feb, 2017. Principal Secretary water Resources Sri Pradeep Kumar Jena, Secretary Works Sri Nalinikanta Pradhan along with senior officers of NHAI, Forest & Environment Department and collectors of concerned districts participated in deliberations.