Bhubaneswar, Dec 14: The six-lane flyover on National Highway 16, connecting Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, is expected to be completed by January 2025.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, provided this update while responding to questions from BJD Rajya Sabha members Niranjan Bishi and Sasmit Patra regarding the flyover's delayed completion.
The construction of the flyover faced several setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, delays in the removal and relocation of houses and structures, and poor performance by the initial contractor.
As a result, the contract with the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor was terminated in June 2024 due to non-performance, and the remaining work was re-awarded. In a written response on December 11, Gadkari confirmed that the project is now on track for completion by January 2025.
Originally launched in 2020, the flyover was intended to be completed within two years, but administrative challenges and unforeseen delays extended the timeline.
In August, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) partially opened the flyover, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as decrease the number of accidents on the busy stretch.
