High-speed road networks will be created to connect ports with industrial and mining areas in the state under the PM GatiShakti scheme, works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said here on Friday.
He said Gopalpur port in Ganjam district will be connected with Jeypore in Koraput district under the high-speed road network. “After the completion of the road, one will be able to reach Jeypore from Gopalpur port in three and a half hours. Now, vehicles take nine hours to reach Jeypore from Gopalpur port,” he added.
“High-speed road networks are being constructed across the country under the PM GatiShakti scheme of the Centre. We will also carry out projects, including the Gopalpur port-Jeypore highspeed road network, under the programme to improve road communication across the state,” said the minister.
He said a review meeting was conducted on Thursday to discuss and analyse in detail the Gopalpur port-Jeypore road. The works department has conducted thorough assessment to ensure the project’s feasibility and effectiveness, officials said.
Gopalpur has a seaport, while Koraput and Rayagada districts have mines and industries. Improved road connectivity will benefit cargo transport and facilitate rapid industrial development of the region. “Like the Gopalpur port-Jeypore project, several other such road networks will come up across the state,” the minister added.
“These roads will enable seamless movement of goods and people, supporting the state’s economic growth objectives. Reduced travel time will lead to cost savings in logistics and improve overall operational efficiency for businesses in the region,” said a senior officer of the department. He said the high-speed road network will also benefit local communities by providing better access to markets, healthcare facilities and educational institutes. “The infrastructure development is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities in the connected regions,” he added.