Ex-Odisha FM protests change in CCEA approved road project

KOLKATA: Former Odisha finance minister and senior BJD leader Prafulla Chandra Ghadai has strongly objected to the Union road transport and highways ministry’s decision not to execute the proposed four-laning of 133-km Chandikhole-Talcher road fully and limit the work up to Bhuban in Dhenkanal district only.

In a letter to Union minister for road transport and railways, Oscar Fernandes, Mr Ghadai said in view of increased heavy traffic on the Chandikhole-Talcher road, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ( CCEA) had in 2011 approved the proposal for four-laning of the National Highway 200 from Chandikhole to Talcher.

The road passes through Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex and connects Paradip Port with mineral rich Keonjhar district. Besides, it also connects Nalco, Talcher collieries and Talcher Fertiliser Plant. In the east, it touches National Highway 5, thereby establishing the vital link with the Dhamra Port.

“Large number of vehicles, including small and 10-12-wheelers, ply on the Chandikhole-Talcher road and it very often results in recurring accidents , claiming precious human lives. I regret that the surface transport ministry in its last April meeting has decided to reduce the four-laning proposal up to Bhuban instead of Talcher.

I regret that instead of going for tender and engaging an agency to execute the work, the ministry has gone for such poor decision ,” the minister said in the letter. The distance Chandikhole to Bhuban is 60 km which means the 73 km road from Bhuban to Talcher would be deprived for the four-laning opportunity .

“Revision of CCEA is unfair and unwarranted. I urge you to stick to the earlier decision . Execution should be made on annuity basis otherwise no contractor will come forward to participate tender and take up the construction work,” Mr Ghadai said. The former FM has forwarded a copy of the letter to the chief minister requesting him to take up the matter with Mr Fernandes.