The Odisha government will develop 23 modern truck terminals along national highways across the state to improve logistics infrastructure, reduce roadside congestion and enhance road safety, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced on Thursday.
The terminals, currently in the final stages of construction, will feature organised truck parking bays, restrooms, food courts, lodging facilities and other amenities for truck drivers and helpers. The initiative aims to provide safe halting points for long-haul freight vehicles and improve freight movement efficiency across key highway corridors.
The project is being executed by National Highways Logistics Management Ltd. However, citing slow progress at several locations, the minister issued a strong warning to the agency and directed officials to accelerate the pace of work.
“Despite repeated directions, progress has not been satisfactory at some locations. Any further delay will not be tolerated,” Jena said in a social media post.
He also instructed the transport department to examine the possibility of assigning pending work to a new agency if the current contractor fails to meet deadlines.
Officials said the truck terminals are strategically planned along major national highways to minimise roadside parking, reduce driver fatigue-related accidents and support the growing freight movement generated by Odisha’s expanding industrial and mining sectors.
Once operational, the facilities are expected to improve convenience for truck drivers while also creating economic opportunities for local businesses along highway stretches.
