Mumbai, Oct. 28 -- The Sambalpur district administration has set a March 2029 deadline for completing the 35-km four-lane outer ring road project, following the commencement of construction. The project has been assigned a 30-month completion schedule, with the executing agency directed to maintain both construction speed and quality.
Sambalpur collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar reviewed the project this week and instructed the agency to accelerate work. The Sambalpur Sadar sub-collector has been designated as the nodal officer for addressing land-related issues and grievances during execution.
Proposed as a long-term response to the city's traffic congestion, the ring road is intended to divert heavy vehicles away from urban areas and improve links between major highways. The project was awarded to Cuttack-based MS Infra for Rs. 8.37 bn, about 23 per cent below the estimated cost of Rs. 10.86 bn, after bids were received from 12 companies. National Highways Authority of India project director Amit Gupta has also been asked to support efforts to expedite construction.
The road will originate near Gosala Kalamati on the Bargarh road and pass through Gunderpur and Maneswar. It will connect the Sambalpur-Sonepur state highway at Gunderpur, NH 53 towards Keonjhar at Jayantpur and NH 55 towards Cuttack at Maneswar, enabling vehicles travelling towards Cuttack, Keonjhar, Sonepur and Jharsuguda to bypass the city.
About 80 per cent of the required land has been acquired, while the district administration has provided 65 acres to compensate for forest land needed at two locations. The project had faced delays after the tender process was completed, and its execution is being closely watched because of concerns raised about the contractor's previous national highway work in Cuttack, Paradip and Jharsuguda. Officials expect the road to ease congestion, improve goods movement and reduce inconvenience and accident risks for commuters.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.