Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Newshub Desk)—As traffic congestion worsens in Odisha’s capital, the much-anticipated Ring Road project faces severe delays due to sluggish land acquisition.
Originally approved in 2014-15, the project envisions a 65-km-long, 60-feet-wide road connecting major areas like Dhauli, Bijipur, Chandaka, and Pahal. However, in the past decade, only 300 meters of land have been acquired, raising concerns about its timely completion.
The Odisha state government has integrated the Ring Road into its broader urban expansion plans, comprising 45 town planning schemes, but progress remains slow.
The total estimated cost of the project stands at ₹9,880 crores, with ₹1,400 crores earmarked specifically for land acquisition and construction.
Once completed, the Ring Road will serve as a critical transport corridor, linking key highways while diverting traffic away from congested city streets.
The project is divided into four zones, each covering distinct urban segments. The goal is to streamline connectivity and improve travel efficiency for commuters.
Despite its potential benefits, delays continue to plague its development. The state’s urban development authorities cite bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges as primary reasons for the project’s slow progress. Residents and stakeholders are now urging the government to fast-track land acquisition and accelerate construction efforts.
The Ring Road could redefine Bhubaneswar’s urban landscape, but whether it materialises as planned remains uncertain.