Quote:CUTTACK: Cuttack is set to get a major infrastructure upgrade with a Rs 640 crore elevated corridor connecting OMP Square to Kandarpur.

The project will ease heavy traffic congestion along National Highway 55. The detailed project report (DPR) is complete and awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Construction is expected to begin within three months of approval, said Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Sunday.

The 13 km-long corridor will include service roads, double-lane paved shoulders, flyovers, and grade separators. It will significantly cut down travel time and improve road safety for both daily commuters and heavy vehicles, Mahtab said.

Quote:Based on the Traffic Studies, Ministry of Railways have granted In-Principle approval for undertaking pre-investment activities for Brahmapur – Sambalpur new railway line and Rajathgarh – Kaipadar Road new railway line bypassing Bhubaneswar. The Final Location Survey for these two projects is in progress.

Quote:The nine-storey 'Na Tala' building in Bhubaneswar, which houses directorates of several state government departments, will be demolished as it has been declared unsafe.

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The Minister said the existing 'Na Tala' building, Sech Sadan and Rajiv Bhavan have all been identified as structurally unsafe. Due to safety concerns, these buildings will be taken down to make way for a new and modern administrative complex.

New Lok Seva Bhavan to come up in phases
According to Harichandan, the new Lok Seva Bhavan will be constructed in three phases. In the first phase, the main office building will be built near the existing Kharavela Bhavan. All government offices will function within a single campus.

He said the new Lok Seva Bhavan offices will be located near the ADM office at Power House Square and close to the OSEPA office.

Existing Assembly building to be preserved
The Minister clarified that the present Odisha Legislative Assembly building will not be demolished. Instead, it will be preserved as a heritage structure and converted into a museum. He added that if a Legislative Council is formed in the future, the existing Assembly building could also be used for that purpose.

New Assembly building planned for future needs
A new Assembly building with a seating capacity of 300 members will be constructed in the vacant space between Lok Seva Bhavan and the existing Assembly. This plan aligns with the state government’s long-term vision, as the number of MLAs is expected to increase after future delimitation.

Integrated campus with long-term vision ...
The integrated complex will be built on over 71 acres of land, following a Central Vista-style design, with modern facilities including underground parking. The total project cost is estimated at over Rs 3,600 crore.