Bhubaneswar: In an effort to facilitate smoother movement for commuters on Sachivalaya Marg, one of the city’s primary thoroughfares, the public works department has proposed the construction of a dedicated corridor between Airport Square and Acharya Vihar Square. This initiative involves widening the approximately 6-kilometer road, which is home to significant institutions such as the State Assembly and the State Secretariat (Lok Seva Bhavan), expanding it from four to six lanes, and incorporating separate pedestrian and parking areas.
A notable aspect of the project is the introduction of underpasses for vehicles at crucial junctions, including AG Square, Capital Hospital Square, and Airport Square, aimed at ensuring hassle-free transit for various commuter groups. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently evaluated this ambitious plan during a high-level meeting he presided over. Officials provided updates on the status and execution strategy of the dedicated corridor alongside other development initiatives.
Minutes from the meeting, obtained by TOI, indicated that the Chief Minister was briefed that the works department is set to commence the execution of the section from Acharya Vihar Square to Airport Square, including underpasses at AG, Airport, and Capital Hospital Square, during the 2026-27 fiscal year. Sachivalaya Marg is a vital route that frequently accommodates VIPs and VVIPs, particularly due to the presence of the assembly and secretariat, along with other key institutions such as the state guest house and major government offices.
Significant intersections along the route, including Institute of Engineers Square, Rabindra Mandap Square, and Housing Board Square, are equipped with smart traffic signals designed to ensure smooth vehicle movement. ‘The plan to construct an underpass at AG Square was already in the pipeline. In the high-level meeting, we explored the idea to create more underpasses at Capital Hospital and Airport Square, which was approved,’ stated a works department official.
According to officials, the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Ltd will lead the project. ‘The detailed project report will be prepared following a feasibility study of the entire stretch,’ commented OBCC managing director Anupam Saha. Sources revealed that there is ample government land available on both sides of Sachivalaya Marg for the widening project, which will facilitate its smooth execution, as this land has been reserved for future expansion.
Source: Times of India
