Rs 6,100 crores budget for Biju Expressway II.

<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4057852254071953"

     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

Rs 6,100 crores budget for Biju Expressway II.

   In a major boost to Southern Odisha, finance minister Nirajan Pujari announced the proposal for Biju Expressway II to provide seamless connectivity between Berhampur and Jeypore.The minister,in his budget speech, said in the second phase of Biju Expressway project, four -lane connectivity will be provided for about 335 kilometres at a cost of about Rs 6,100 crore, mostly in greenfield area.

   "Land acquisition for the project has been initiated.This will reduce the travel time between the two cities from 10 hours to 5 hours and provide huge potential for economic growth and employment opportunities in the state," Pujari said.

   The finance minister said the constitution of the first phase of Biju Expressway in western Odisha is almost over.

    To provide best connectivity to eastern Odisha,a four-lane expressway connecting Rourkela and Ampani over a length of 546 kilometres has been constructed, Pujari said.

   The minister said the last phase of 176 kilometres from Ghatilada to Ampani was completed during 2022-23 at a cost of Rs 600 crore.It will be inaugurated shortly by the chief minister.Biju Expressway will be one of the drivers of economic growth in western Odisha,he said.

     Besides, the minister has also announced double -lane work on about 3,000 kilometres of road across the state with improveed riding quality to be taken up by the public works department at a cost of Rs 4,600 crore during the 2023-24 fiscal.

      "Three major bridges have been completed this year at a cost of Rs 500 crore over Mahanadi river at Boudh and Sthamallik and over Brahmani river at Kaluria in Dhenkanal.Nine major bridges and road overbridges will be completed during 2023-24 at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore,Pujari announced.