Odisha govt develops road network database

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Bhubaneswar, July 11:

The state government has developed the Odisha Road Network database on the basis of GIS mapping, traffic survey, socio-economic data and field level road inventory collected both from primary and secondary sources.

Arckitechno Consultants Pvt Ltd, which has been engaged by the state government for the purpose, made a detailed presentation of the database at a high level meeting presided over by chief secretary JK Mohapatra at the State Secretariat here today.

Reviewing the data outcomes of the study, Mohapatra directed the Works department to develop a comprehensive database of the road network and institutionalize integrated mechanism for its regular updating.

He also directed the department to design a strategic corridor development plan taking into consideration the traffic requirement of upcoming industrial estates, production clusters and ports.

The Rural Development department was asked to prepare the village connectivity plan on the basis of the database by incorporatingvillages that are included in the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

As per the data, out of the 51,865 census villages in the state, around 94 percent are connected with some or other type of roads and about 2 percent of track roads while the process of connectivity to around 4 percent villages is underway.

The chief secretary directed the department to prioritize villages on the basis of their population and strategic location and accomplish 100 percent connectivity within a definite time frame.

He also advised officials to reclassify the road categories for better development and maintenance.