Transport networks play a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of passenger and freight movement, making them an essential component of infrastructure. In the State of Odisha, rapid changes in demographic trends, urbanization, industrialization, and human settlements have resulted in a significant increase in the need for mobility. This encompasses both passenger and freight traffic, highlighting the importance of a well-developed transport system.
As social and economic activities continue to expand, there is a continued requirement for diverse mobility options across major modes of transport such as road, railways, airways, and waterways. A robust transport system in Odisha relies on several factors, including the strength and coverage of the network, the quality and speed of transportation, economic and energy efficiency, frequency of services, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and safety measures to minimize accidents.
Recognizing the significance of these aspects, the State Government of Odisha prioritizes addressing these issues. It places emphasis on promoting the development of backward areas and connecting remote habitations to growth and service centers. By doing so, the government aims to ensure that transportation infrastructure facilitates inclusive growth and benefits all sections of society.
In terms of the contribution to the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) of Odisha, the Transport, Storage, Communication, and Services related to broadcasting sector accounted for an estimated 5.5 percent of the total GSVA in the state in 2022-23 (at current prices). Although slightly lower than the previous year’s estimate of 5.54 percent in 2021-22 (revised estimate), this sector remains a significant contributor to the state’s economic output.
Among the various constituents of the transport services sector, road transport holds the highest contribution to the transport GSVA in Odisha, accounting for 56 percent. This highlights the importance of road networks in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers within the state. Railways follow closely, contributing 25 percent to the transport GSVA in the same period.
Overall, the development and improvement of transport networks in Odisha are vital to meet the increasing demands of mobility, promote economic growth, and enhance connectivity within the state. By focusing on network expansion, service quality, efficiency, sustainability, and safety, the government aims to create a well-integrated transport system that caters to the diverse needs of the population and fosters overall development in the region.
Table of Contents
Roads
Roads play a critical role in providing essential connectivity to human settlements, as well as supporting commercial, industrial, and cultural establishments in Odisha. Due to the limited presence of an extensive rail network in the state, roads have become the primary mode of transportation for both passengers and freight. In recent years, the road transport sector has experienced significant fluctuations in growth.
Following the decline of 29.3 percent in 2020-21 (revised estimate) due to movement restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the road transport sector in Odisha rebounded strongly. In 2021-22 (revised estimate), the sector witnessed a growth rate of 7.1 percent, indicating a recovery from the previous year’s decline. Looking ahead, in 2022-2023 (advance estimate), the road transportation sector continued on its growth trajectory, with a projected growth rate of 6.5 percent.
These growth figures highlight the resilience of the road transport sector in Odisha and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the sector has demonstrated its importance in facilitating the movement of people and goods, contributing to the overall economic development of the state. The consistent growth in the road transport sector emphasizes the significance of maintaining and improving road infrastructure to ensure efficient and reliable connectivity throughout Odisha.
National Highways
In Odisha, National Highways (NH) make up a small portion, approximately 2 percent, of the overall road network. However, they serve as crucial links connecting major and feeder roads throughout the state. Currently, there are 32 National Highways spanning a total length of 5753 kilometers in Odisha. Of this, 2833 kilometers are under the control of the NH wing of the Government of Odisha, while the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) manages the remaining 2920 kilometers as of 2022.
As of the end of the fiscal year 2021-22, a total of 12 projects covering 309.4 kilometers were completed at an expenditure of INR 481 crore. Additionally, there are 26 ongoing projects, of which 699.6 kilometers have been completed, while the remaining 210.2 kilometers are still in progress. For the upcoming year 2022-23, 26 projects covering 212.9 kilometers have been approved with an estimated cost of INR 3161.5 crore.
The repair and maintenance of State Highways, major district roads, and other district roads in Odisha are overseen by the State PWD (R&B) under the administrative control of the Works Department.
In 2013-14, the government introduced the “State Highways Development Project (SHDP)” to upgrade State Highways to a double-lane standard. Under this scheme, all State Highways are being widened and improved. The state cabinet approved the development of 2158.26 kilometers of State Highways to a double-lane standard with a budget of INR 3000 crore, allowing for a 10 percent variation. As of the end of 2021-22, 1961.45 kilometers of road length were taken up for double-laning, with an estimated cost of INR 3376.98 crore. Out of this, 1932.66 kilometers of road length have been completed, with an expenditure of INR 3184.55 crore.
The Government of Odisha has envisioned the construction of a four-lane road called the “Biju Expressway (North-South Expressway)” spanning 627 kilometers. It will connect Jagdalpur to Rourkela, passing through western Odisha and the KBK districts of the state. Of the total length, 181 kilometers of NH is being improved by NHAI/MORT&H, while 163 kilometers of SH-10 (Sambalpur-Rourkela Road) have been completed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The remaining 294 kilometers of the expressway are being developed under this scheme, with a total project cost estimated at INR 3630 crore, which includes the cost of land acquisition. To ensure effective project monitoring, supervision consultants have been engaged. The roads will be maintained by the Works Department after the expiry of the defect liability period. The State Cabinet approved the construction of the Biju Expressway in 2015-16, with a total length of 638 kilometers, and the completion of the project corridor is targeted for 2023.
Bridge Projects
The Rural Development Department in Odisha is responsible for maintaining roads that have unbridged nallahs (small streams) or rivers running through them. This lack of bridges on these roads deprives villagers of all-weather connectivity, forcing them to take detours or face difficulties in accessing basic services. Connecting all villages with all-weather roads is a time-consuming and resource-intensive task. To provide instant connectivity to people in inaccessible areas, the department focuses on constructing small bridges with reasonable approach roads.
Since 1995-96, the State has been availing loans from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for bridge construction. The Government of India also provides funds for bridge construction on roads falling under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), following the guidelines of the scheme on a cost-sharing basis. However, the existing schemes are insufficient to meet the State’s requirements.
In response, the Government of Odisha has initiated the ambitious “Biju Setu Yojana” (BSY) to bridge all the missing links on roads under the Rural Development Department. Additionally, the program includes strategic and important Panchayat Samiti roads belonging to the Panchayati Raj Department. The BSY aims to create an effective all-weather road network throughout the state to meet transportation needs across sectors in a cost-effective manner.
Since the inception of the BSY in 2011-12 up until 2021-22, a total of 1768 bridge projects with a project cost of INR 8930.51 crore have been undertaken. By the end of January 2023, 1238 bridges have been completed, 441 bridges are currently under construction, and 89 bridges are in the process of being implemented. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Rural Development Department has sanctioned 430 new bridge projects, and preconstruction activities are underway for these projects.
Odisha Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC)
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is dedicated to providing safe and reliable transportation services to the public. In the fiscal year 2021-22, the corporation operated 367 buses on 267 routes, with an average fleet strength of 596. These buses carried a total of 56.7 lakh passengers, and the corporation employed a regular staff of 199 individuals. It is worth noting that the number of on-road buses increased by 45 percent compared to the previous year.
To enhance its services, OSRTC procured 180 new buses during the fiscal year 2021-22, including 10 ultra-luxurious Volvo buses. Additionally, the corporation decided to operate nine new inter-state routes in collaboration with seven neighboring states. The OSRTC fleet has also been selected for transporting players to various national and international events, showcasing its reliability and suitability for such purposes.
In terms of infrastructure development, the construction of an Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Baramunda is currently underway. Furthermore, OSRTC has initiated the construction of 55 new block-level bus stands across 22 districts. Three of these bus stands, namely Motu (Malkanagiri), Jeypore (Koraput), and Aska (Ganjam), are in the finishing stage, while Athagarh has already been completed. OSRTC has also added 35 new inter-state and intra-state routes to its operations.
The financial position of OSRTC has shown improvement compared to the previous year, as the corporation managed to mitigate a loss of INR 1,055 lakh and achieve a profit of INR 152 lakh. This positive outcome can be attributed to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, which allowed for increased passenger mobility and utilization of OSRTC services.
Railways
Railway routes traverse through twenty-five districts of Odisha, excluding Boudh, Deogarh, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, and Nawarangpur. However, there is an uneven distribution of railway coverage across these districts. As of the end of 2021-22, the state had a total of 2,859 kilometers of railway lines, with 97.5 percent (2,789 kilometers) electrified. The revenue generated from freight traffic handled by the railways reached a record high of INR 23,012.3 crore, and there was a significant improvement in passenger bookings. Although the number of passengers increased to 34.4 million after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, it did not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.
Railway coverage in Odisha is relatively inadequate, contributing only 0.9 percent to the state’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2022-23 (AE). However, it contributes 25 percent to the transport sector’s GSVA in Odisha. After experiencing a contraction of 13.3 percent in 2020-21 (RE) due to COVID-19 movement restrictions, the railway sector has rebounded and is projected to grow by 10.5 percent in 2022-23 (AE). The railway route length per thousand square kilometers in the state is approximately 18 kilometers, slightly below the national railway density of around 20 kilometers. Expanding the rail network in Odisha has the potential to increase the sector’s contribution to state GSVA directly and indirectly by attracting investment in the industrial and mineral sectors.
The state government has acquired land for 14 new railway projects and is involved in three projects on a cost-sharing basis. These projects include the Khurda Road-Bolangir NBG Rail link, Jeypore-Nawarangpur NBG Rail link, and Jeypore-Malkangiri NBG Rail link. Odisha Rail Infrastructure Development Limited (ORIDL), a joint venture company appointed by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, is responsible for coordinating the expansion of the railway network in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar Metro Rail
The Bhubaneswar Metro, envisioned to encompass Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Puri in Odisha, stands as a testament to the region’s progressive transportation ambitions. Spanning a 30 km metro trunk route in its initial phase, stretching from Trisulia near Cuttack to the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, the project holds expansive plans for future extensions to Khordha and Puri.
The journey towards materializing this ambitious project had its share of contemplation and deliberation. In July 2010, the Odisha State Transport Department tasked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with conducting a survey to explore the feasibility of connecting Bhubaneswar and Cuttack via metro rail. However, initial assessments in January 2013 by E. Sreedharan, the principal advisor of DMRC, deemed a metro rail system unsuitable for Bhubaneswar, citing population thresholds more fitting for cities with over 2 million inhabitants. Sreedharan proposed alternative modes like bus rapid transit or high-speed tramway systems for the region.
Amidst these discussions, voices advocating for the potential of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri as emerging centers for health, sports, technology, and tourism emerged. Subhash Singh, the then-convenor of the Cuttack Banchao Committee, underscored the economic and socio-economic benefits a metro project could bestow upon the region, urging authorities to reconsider the project’s viability in light of the anticipated population growth over the next 50 years.
The proposal evolved further with Engineering Projects India Ltd. suggesting a monorail project between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in January 2013. Subsequently, in August 2014, the state government entered into an agreement with Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd. (BARSYL) to prepare a detailed project report for a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) covering the 30 km stretch between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
However, the idea of a metro rail faced skepticism regarding the readiness of Bhubaneswar for such an infrastructure due to its population size, as highlighted by E. Sreedharan in January 2013 and reiterated by Orissa Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi in February 2017. Despite these reservations, the advocacy for a metro rail persisted, gaining momentum when in January 2018, Odisha’s CM emphasized the need for metro rail connectivity between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
This advocacy reached a milestone in April 2023 when Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the metro train service proposal, directing the Housing and Urban Development Department to expedite the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation, solely financed by the Government of Odisha.
By August 2023, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation took charge of DPR preparation, conducting comprehensive surveys and assessments. The resulting DPR, submitted to Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, outlined a 26-kilometer route with 20 stations, highlighting key stops between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The culmination arrived in October 2023 when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sanctioned the DPR, signifying the Odisha government’s commitment to fund the entire ₹5,929 crore project. The timeline revealed a steadfast commitment to transforming the region’s transportation landscape, heralding a new era of connectivity and development through the Bhubaneswar Metro.
Based on the images provided, here is the complete extracted text regarding water transport and port infrastructure in Odisha.
Water Transport
Odisha, a significant coastal state, boasts a coastline spanning 480 kilometers and possesses strategically located ports that offer favorable conditions for maritime activities. The water transport sector in the state experienced substantial growth during the period from 2016-17 to 2018-19, achieving double-digit growth rates. However, in recent times, the sector has faced a slowdown due to restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Nonetheless, it is projected to recover and grow at a rate of 9.6 percent in the fiscal year 2022-23 (AE). The revenue in this sector primarily comes from sources such as inland water transport, international shipping companies, and port operations.
Ports
The Government of Odisha has placed the expansion of port capacity as its top priority, recognizing the importance of well-developed infrastructure projects in enhancing trade competitiveness. In line with this objective, the government introduced the “Odisha Port Policy – 2022” in November 2022. Additionally, the establishment of the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) aims to drive trade activities through the ports of Odisha, further boosting the state’s maritime sector.
Paradip Port
Paradip Port, strategically located in the state of Odisha, serves as the preferred maritime gateway on the East Coast of India. It holds the distinction of being the largest dry bulk handling port in the country and boasts a hinterland renowned for its mineral and mining resources. The port is well-endowed with raw materials, water resources, rail and road connectivity, and ancillary infrastructure, all of which contribute to facilitating port-led industrialization in the region.
Covering an expansive estate of 6,285 acres, Paradip Port features a navigational channel stretching 12 kilometers in length and 300 meters in width. It is equipped with a turning basin measuring 520 meters in diameter and an 18.1-meter-deep approach channel, facilitating smooth navigation for vessels. Operating round the clock, 24×7, throughout the year, Paradip Port ensures continuous service.
In April 1966, the Government of India declared Paradip Port as the 8th major port in the country. It remains the sole major port in Odisha and was the first major port commissioned on the East Coast of independent India. The port comprises 18 berths, three single-point moorings, and one Ro-Ro jetty. In the fiscal year 2021-22, it handled over 116 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, representing a 1.4 percent increase compared to the previous year and contributing to the total cargo handled at the all-India level, which amounted to 719.4 million MT.
To further enhance its cargo handling capacity, Paradip Port is currently undertaking significant ongoing projects. These include the construction of a Southern oil jetty, multipurpose clean cargo berth, deep drought coal berth, and deep drought iron ore berth on a Build Operate Transfer Basis (BOT).
During the fiscal year 2021-22, Paradip Port achieved noteworthy milestones:
- It handled a record-breaking monthly total of 12.3 million MT of cargo in March 2022.
- It achieved an output of 27,295 MT per ship berth-day.
- The port demonstrated improvements in vessel turnaround time, pre-berthing detention, and mechanized coal handling.
- The Mechanised Coal Handling Plant unloaded the highest number of BOBRN Rakes, reaching 7,156 in 2021-22, surpassing the previous record of 5,698 in 2018-19.
- The plant ship-loaded 27.8 million tonnes of coal in the same fiscal year, compared to 25.2 million tonnes in 2018-19.
Paradip Port also experienced a significant increase in daily rakes handled, achieving an average of 51.82 rakes per day in February 2021, with 29.9 incoming and 21.9 outgoing rakes respectively. The port witnessed a record-breaking number of 64 rakes handled in a single day on March 14, 2021.
In its pursuit of augmenting coastal shipping, Paradip Port accommodated the MV STAR LYRA, a cape vessel with a 16-meter draught, at the New Iron Ore Berth in the inner harbor. The vessel loaded the highest-ever cargo of 146,565 MT of Iron Ore Fines, setting a new record for iron ore cargo loaded at the port. Another notable achievement was the MV LILA LISBON, the largest import cape vessel to date, carrying a shipment of 134,375 MT of gypsum for M/s. Oceanic Trade Minerals Pvt. Ltd., which berthed at the CQ-1 Berth of Paradip Port.
The average turnaround time of ships serves as an important indicator of a well-equipped and efficient port. Over the years, Paradip Port has made significant improvements in reducing its average turnaround time. In 2015-16, it ranked 11th among ports in the country with a turnaround time of 4.5 days. However, in 2021-22, Paradip Port showcased remarkable progress, achieving the 8th rank with a reduced turnaround time of 2.3 days.
Other Ports
The state of Odisha, with its extensive coastline spanning 480 kilometers, holds great potential for the development of minor ports. In total, there are 14 sites within the state that have been identified as suitable for the establishment of these minor ports. These sites include:
- Ganjam district: Gopalpur, Bahuda Muhan, and Palur.
- Puri district: Baliharchandi and Astaranga.
- Jagatsinghpur district: Jatadhar Muhan.
- Balasore district: Inchri, Chandipur, Bahabalpur, Kirtania, and Bichitrapur (Talasari).
- Bhadrak district: Dhamra and Chudamani.
- Kendrapara district: A riverine port.
Among these potential sites, Dhamra and Gopalpur ports have already become commercially operational. As of the end of the fiscal year 2021-22, Dhamra port has handled an impressive cargo volume of 33.4 million metric tonnes (MMT), while Gopalpur port has handled 8 MMT of cargo. These ports have played a vital role in facilitating trade and economic growth in the region.
Recognizing the importance of further port development, the Government of Odisha is actively involved in initiatives to establish three additional non-major ports in the state. These upcoming ports are planned for:
- Subarnarekha mouth (Kirtania)
- Mahanadi River (a riverine port in the Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara district)
- Astaranga port in Puri district.
The development of these ports is being undertaken through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, enabling collaboration between the government and private entities to leverage expertise and resources for efficient port operations. By expanding the port infrastructure, Odisha aims to enhance its maritime connectivity and boost economic activities in the respective regions. These upcoming minor ports will contribute to the overall growth and development of the state, facilitating the efficient handling of cargo and promoting trade and commerce.
Inland Water Transport (IWT)
In Odisha, inland water transport (IWT) plays a crucial role as an alternative, economically viable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The state boasts an extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals, and breakwaters, making it conducive for the development of an efficient transport infrastructure through an optimal combination of road, rail, and inland water transport.
The provision of inland water transport services is a responsibility undertaken by the State Government. These services, particularly passenger launch services, are of significant importance in remote areas where other modes of transportation are generally inaccessible. The Directorate of Port and Inland Water Transport, operating under the administrative control of the Commerce and Transport Department of the Government of Odisha, serves as the nodal agency overseeing activities related to passenger launch services, as well as the survey and registration of inland crafts.
Currently, passenger motor launch services are operational in six different water routes across two sectors, namely Chandbali and Balugaon. These services provide essential connectivity and transportation options to the local population, contributing to their mobility and overall well-being.
To further enhance inland water transport, the Government of India has enacted the National Waterways Act 2016, which designates 111 waterways as National Waterways (NW). Within Odisha, six waterways, namely NW-5, NW-14, NW-22, NW-23, NW-64, and NW-96, have been declared as national waterways. This recognition reinforces the importance of water transport and opens up avenues for their development and utilization.
In the fiscal year 2021-22, the inland water transport system in Odisha witnessed positive growth. A total of 1.2 lakh passengers were transported via IWT, marking a substantial 30 percent increase compared to the previous year. The removal of COVID-19 restrictions played a significant role in the recovery of IWT, leading to a commendable 58 percent growth in fare collections, which amounted to INR 27.5 lakh.
The continued development and utilization of inland water transport in Odisha not only enhance connectivity and accessibility but also contribute to sustainable and efficient transportation options while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Air Transport
Air transport is a vital component of the transport sector, providing high-speed connectivity within and outside the country. In Odisha, the aviation sector has been steadily growing, particularly in terms of passenger traffic.
The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is the primary airport in the state, offering both domestic and international flight services. In the fiscal year 2021-22, BPIA handled approximately 32.3 lakh passengers, showing a significant recovery compared to the previous year. To cater to the growing demand, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building and the improvement of airside infrastructure.
Apart from BPIA, there are several other airports and airstrips in the state. The Jharsuguda Airport, also known as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, was inaugurated in 2018 and has since seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, primarily serving the industrial hub of western Odisha. Other airstrips, such as those in Rourkela, Jeypore, and Utkela, are being developed under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to improve regional connectivity.
The state government is also focusing on the development of a greenfield international airport at Puri, which is expected to boost tourism and economic activities in the region. Furthermore, efforts are being made to enhance cargo handling facilities at airports to support the growth of trade and commerce in the state.
Conclusion
The comprehensive development of transport and communication infrastructure is fundamental to Odisha’s economic growth and social progress. By investing in roads, railways, ports, airports, and digital connectivity, the state is creating a robust foundation for industrialization, trade, and improved quality of life for its citizens. Continued focus on these sectors will ensure that Odisha remains a competitive and well-connected state in the years to come.