BJD criticised Centre for alleged delay in approval of Odisha Coastal Highway Project

The Biju Janata Dal criticised the Narendra Modi Government for allegedly delaying and altering the Odisha Coastal Highway Project, which was announced during 2015

Reacting to the approval of the Union Cabinet for the Coastal Highway between Rameshwar and Paradip connecting Konark, the BJD said ₹8301-crore coastal highway project was approved after long wait of 11 years.

The regional party observed the Central Government completely disregarded the hopes and aspirations of the people of Odisha stating that the project was not merely a road project but a historic initiative linked to Odisha’s destiny, future, tourism, economy, and the overall development of the coastal region.

“In 2015, during the Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced the construction of a nearly 450-kilometre-long Coastal Highway from Gopalpur to Digha at Pipili in Puri district. Along with this, he had also promised the development of the Capital Region Ring Road and the upgradation of the Rameshwar–Chandanpur road by granting it National Highway status,” said BJD leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma.

“It is a matter of deep regret that after 11 long years, the Union Cabinet has approved only two stretches of the project – from Rameshwar to Konark and from Konark to Paradip—with an allocation of Rs. 8301 crore,” he said.

“It is evident that the vast coastal regions of Bhadrak and Balasore districts, covering the stretch from Paradip to Digha, have been excluded from the project. This decision of the Central Government has disappointed and distressed the people of Odisha,” Mr. Das Burma pointed out.

“Since the project was first announced, repeated changes in alignment, cancellation of tenders on three occasions, and administrative neglect have hindered its progress. The tenders floated earlier by the government, without financial approval, were merely attempts to mislead the people of Odisha,” he further said.

Stating that environmental objections relating to the Chilika and Bhitarkanika regions were repeated hurdles to the project, the BJD leader said the people of Odisha, nevertheless,  had hoped that the Coastal Highway would be constructed as originally envisaged, connecting the entire coastal belt.

“Due to the discriminatory attitude of the Central Government towards Odisha, the very structure and scope of the project have now been altered,” said the party.