Q. “Good roads are key to economic progress.” Elucidate with reference to Odisha State Road Policy, 2025 and proposed Odisha State Highway Authority.
Ans: Road infrastructure plays a pivotal role in driving economic development, especially in a state like Odisha with diverse geography and growing industrial potential. Efficient roads facilitate trade, mobility, investment, and inclusive growth, making them a cornerstone of development planning.
Why Good Roads Matter for Economic Progress
- Connectivity and Trade
- Roads link production centres to markets, reducing transport costs and boosting competitiveness.
- Employment Generation
- Road construction and maintenance create direct and indirect jobs, especially in rural areas.
- Access to Services
- Improved roads enhance access to healthcare, education, and government schemes.
- Disaster Resilience
- Robust road networks aid in emergency response and disaster management, crucial for cyclone-prone Odisha.
- Investment Magnet
- Reliable infrastructure attracts private investment, tourism, and industrial growth.
Odisha State Road Policy, 2025: A Strategic Leap
The policy aims to develop a 75,000 km world-class road network by 2029–30, focusing on safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation.
- Key Features:
- Interdepartmental Road Transfers for better coordination.
- Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for long-term infrastructure upkeep.
- Bridge Development with a Comprehensive Online Bridge Information System (BIS).
- Road Safety Enhancements to reduce accidents and fatalities.
- Capacity Building in planning, design, and maintenance.
- Digital Integration:
- Use of Odisha Road Asset Management System for transparent monitoring and evaluation.
Odisha State Highway Authority (OSHA): Institutional Backbone
The Odisha State Highways Authority Bill, 2025 proposes an autonomous body modeled on NHAI to oversee major road projects.
- Functions:
- Planning and Execution of strategic highways and expressways.
- Land Acquisition and Clearances to fast-track projects.
- Dedicated Road Fund mobilized via bonds, loans, and investment trusts.
- Safety and Technology Integration to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.
- Immediate Targets:
- Develop 6,600 km of highways and expressways with ₹18,000 crore investment.
- Upgrade district roads to 2-lane and state highways to 4-lane standards.
Conclusion
The Odisha State Road Policy, 2025 and the proposed Highway Authority reflect a bold vision for infrastructure-led growth. By combining strategic planning, institutional reform, and technological innovation, Odisha is positioning roads not just as pathways—but as engines of economic transformation.