Government approves Rs 761 crore highway project in Odisha

NEW DELHI: The government today approved a Rs 761 crore road project in Odisha under its flagship National Highways Development Project.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ( CCEA) has given its approval for four-laning with paved shoulders of Jharpokharia-Baripada-Baleshwar section of NH-5 in Odisha," an official statement said.

The cost of the 80.6 km project is estimated at Rs 760.73 crore, including land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and pre-construction activities.

The project will expedite improvement of infrastructure in Odisha and reduce the time and cost of travel on the Jharpokharia-Baripada-Baleshwar route, according to the statement.

"Development of this stretch will also help in uplifting the socio-economic condition of this region," the statement said, adding that it will also increase employment potential for local labourers for project activities.