The Odisha government is expediting the construction of road over bridges (ROBs) to replace level crossings, aiming to enhance safety and reduce traffic delays across the state. Under the Centre’s Railway Policy-2024, the Indian Railways has agreed to construct 96 ROBs entirely at its cost as part of a larger plan covering 166 such projects.
Senior officials from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) and the state Works department met in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to review the progress of these projects. The review, chaired by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Works department, highlighted that work on ROBs had lagged in previous years. To accelerate execution, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is being finalised under which ECoR will fully fund the 96 bridges.
The ROB initiative is crucial for easing traffic congestion, reducing travel time, and replacing accident-prone level crossings. Discussions during the meeting emphasised expediting land acquisition, maintaining construction quality, and meeting strict project deadlines.
To facilitate smooth execution, nodal officers have been appointed to manage land acquisition for the approach roads of 112 ROBs, and district administrations have been instructed to work closely with the Works department and the Railways. This move positions Odisha as a leading state in implementing the revised ROB framework under the new railway policy.
