Bhubaneswar, June 25: With the annual Rath Yatra approaching and a large influx of pilgrims and tourists expected in Puri, the Odisha Works Department has intensified efforts to ensure seamless road connectivity to the pilgrim town.
As part of these preparations, Works Department Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction of the Matiapada Road Over Bridge (ROB) on NH-316 and reviewed the progress of the project.
During the visit, Singh assessed the status of the Bow String Girder works and examined the remaining activities required for completion of the ROB. He directed officials of the National Highways Wing and the executing agency to expedite all pending works and ensure timely completion of the strategically important project.
The Principal Secretary instructed that the remaining two Bow String Girder spans be launched immediately after the scheduled inspection by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) on June 26. He emphasized that all balance works should be carried out simultaneously to avoid delays.
He also reviewed plans for casting crash barriers, laying bituminous and concrete pavement on the approach roads, installing expansion joints and completing other ancillary works. Officials were directed to execute these activities in a time-bound manner.
Highlighting the importance of smooth traffic movement during Rath Yatra, Singh specifically instructed the concerned authorities to complete and make traffic-worthy the service roads on both sides of the ROB before the festival. This, he said, would help ensure hassle-free movement of pilgrims and other road users travelling to and from Puri.
The Works Department is closely monitoring the progress of the project and remains committed to completing the infrastructure work within the stipulated timeline.
Chief Engineer (National Highways), Superintending Engineer (National Highways) and representatives of the executing agency were present during the review.
