Bhubaneswar, April 2: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to strengthen transport infrastructure in Angul district.In a letter to the CM, Pradhan highlighted the urgent need for widening key roads and constructing bypasses to support increasing coal transportation and the rapid pace of industrial development in the region.The minister has proposed the expansion of the Chhendipada–Angul stretch of State Highway-63 from a two-lane road into a four-lane highway. He also stressed the importance of constructing bypasses in densely populated areas along the route to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and ensure smoother vehicular movement.In addition to this, he requested the widening of the Chhendipada–Jarapada district main road, which plays a crucial role in connecting mining areas to major transport corridors, including national highways and railway networks.According to him, the development of this road would not only ease coal transportation but also reduce traffic pressure on State Highway-63 by providing an alternative route.In his communication, Pradhan pointed out that Angul district, located in the central region of Odisha, has a population of around 1.5 million and contributes nearly 5 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).Rich in mineral resources, particularly coal, the district is expected to witness a sharp rise in production from the current 116 million tonnes to an estimated 250–300 million tonnes by 2033. The region has emerged as a major industrial hub, hosting key facilities such as the NALCO Smelter Plant, NTPC Kaniha, Talcher Super Thermal Power Station, and operations of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, all of which significantly contribute to the state’s energy security and industrial output.He further emphasized that the Chhendipada region alone accounts for nearly one-sixth of India’s coal reserves, making it strategically vital for the country’s energy needs. However, the existing road infrastructure, particularly State Highway-63 and the Chhendipada–Jarapada road, has become inadequate to handle the growing volume of coal transportation. Since these roads pass through densely populated areas, they frequently experience traffic congestion, delays, and a heightened risk of accidents, leading to increasing dissatisfaction among local residents.Pradhan noted that the proposed infrastructure improvements would significantly enhance logistics efficiency, facilitate smoother movement of coal and industrial goods, and improve overall road safety.
