Western Odisha people happy over four-laning Biju Express way; thanks CM Naveen Patnaik
Mahendra Darjee
Balangir, June 10: People in Balangir, Sambalpur, Nuapara and Kalahandi are happy with the Odisha cabinet decision for widening of the Biju Expressway as a four-lane carriage way. They have also thanked chief minister Naveen Patnaik for his Cabinet clearing the expansion proposal.
The move will make goods and public transportation systems in the region faster and herald new economic prosperity.
Notably, the Biju Expressway on Wednesday got the Odisha Cabinet’s approval for four-laning.
“Now that the Cabinet has given go ahead to the four-laning proposal, movement of goods will be easier. Transporters will save time and free movement will also reduced in less fuel consumption and ultimately account for drop in transportation cost. The transporters will pass on this benefit to the end consumers,” said Abhinandan Jain, a local trader in Bhawanipatna.
Shyamasundar Agrawal, a trader of Nuapada, echoed in similar vein and said local agriculture and horticulture produces will now find way to distant markets and the farmers will get better prices.
“We thank CM Naveen Patnaik for approving the four-lane proposal,” said Mr Agrawal.
The Cabinet chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik cleared the 174.5 km four-lane proposal. An estimated Rs 448.02 crore will be invested on the project that will lead to enhanced connectivity in the western Odisha region.
According to chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, the Expressway, passing through Kalahandi and Nuapada districts will boost trade and industrial activity as the State government is also working on developing the Biju Express Economic Corridor through the Industries department.
While the total length of Biju Expressway (Ghatipada-Sinapali) in Nuapada district will be 104.65 km including 6 minor bridges and 6 major bridges, a stretch of 69.85 km will pass through Kalahandi district (Sinapali-Dharmagarh-Ampani) which includes 11 minor bridges and two major bridges, he added.
The CS said that this will not only enhance connectivity in Western Odisha but also provide impetus to the industrial growth and overall economic development in the region. The Biju Expressway was launched in 2014 by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik the election manifesto of the ruling BJD. It aimed at providing four-lane connectivity in western Odisha and KBK districts of the State.
