Keonjhar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi fulfilled his promise to Barbil residents by laying the foundation stone for the Barbil Bypass Ring Road project, marking a major milestone in Keonjhar’s development.
Majhi inaugurated 24 projects worth Rs 29.41 crore and laid the foundation for 51 new projects worth Rs 326.43 crore in Keonjhar district, including the much-awaited Barbil Ring Road.
The Barbil Bypass Ring Road will stretch 18.3 km and cost Rs 1,581 crore. Majhi said the project will ease traffic congestion, support 40,000 passenger cars daily, and stimulate housing and economic activity along its route. He emphasised that the modern design will handle heavy vehicle loads and reduce operating costs, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The Chief Minister announced a Rs 298-crore investment for new power substations in Joda, Basudevpur, and Barbil. He directed officials to expedite the construction of the eight-lane Barbil–Paradip road. Majhi also highlighted the upcoming Keonjhar Mega Steel Plant, which will attract investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore and generate over 10,000 jobs.
Additional projects launched include the 10 km Bamberi–Palasa–Guruda–Koida road at Rs 95 crore, the 7.5 km Suaakati–Dubuna–Kalimati road at Rs 30 crore, and the upgrade of the Palashpanga–Bamberi KIDCO road at Rs 30 crore. Majhi inaugurated sports infrastructure and bus stand upgrades worth Rs 9.27 crore, along with ITI staff quarters, a new sub-registrar office, and parks.
He said infrastructure remains the foundation of Odisha’s prosperity, stressing that improved roads, bridges, electricity, and water supply will accelerate growth. Majhi described the current period as a golden era for Odisha under the double-engine government, citing national expressway projects that will transform connectivity across the state.