Bhubaneswar, July 8: Odisha will soon have its first skywalk, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set to construct the state's maiden pedestrian skywalk at the busy Palasuni–Rasulgarh junction in the capital city. The 450-metre-long facility will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 18.42 crore.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi. The skywalk will connect Palasuni and Rasulgarh, providing a safe passage for pedestrians across the national highway while helping reduce traffic congestion in the area.

As part of the infrastructure upgrade, three more foot overbridges will also be constructed. Meanwhile, work on the Rs 23-crore six-lane Palasuni overbridge is underway. The project also includes the construction of two 7-metre-wide service roads on either side of the overbridge. All the works are scheduled to be completed by March 2027.

The proposed skywalk will be developed with modern engineering features, including lifts, escalators and advanced lighting systems to ensure safe and hassle-free movement for commuters.

Officials said the facility will enable pedestrians to cross the busy highway without risking their safety amid high-speed traffic. It is expected to offer a permanent solution to the long-standing traffic issues in the Palasuni area while improving accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

NHAI has set a deadline to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, marking a major step towards strengthening urban infrastructure and pedestrian safety in Bhubaneswar.