The Government of Odisha has launched its ambitious State Road Policy 2025 with a commitment to build 75,000 km of roads over the next five years while integrating climate resilience, safety, and inclusivity into its core framework. This policy marks a transformational shift in road planning, pushing environmental consciousness and equitable access to the forefront of infrastructure development in one of India’s rapidly growing states.
Designed by the Works Department, the new roadmap is not merely a construction plan—it is a climate-conscious development strategy that prioritises the needs of rural populations, industrial zones, and disaster-prone regions alike. By 2028, the state aims to connect all habitations with a population of over 100 through durable all-weather roads. The policy mandates that all state highways be upgraded to at least four-lane corridors, while major district and other district roads are to be improved to a minimum two-lane configuration. Roads serving mining and industrial sectors will see more robust expansion, with six-lane capacities including service lanes and utility corridors to support traffic volumes and economic growth.
With sustainability as its compass, the policy embeds environmental foresight at every stage—from planning to execution. Roads in flood-prone and ecologically sensitive regions will feature elevated alignments, engineered culverts, and materials that withstand climatic disruptions. Regulatory compliance will be ensured by coordinating bridge development with the Water Resources Department and Inland Waterways Authority of India, avoiding bureaucratic delays that often mar large-scale infrastructure projects. In an era where climate extremes are increasingly shaping public infrastructure needs, such integrated planning could serve as a national benchmark.
The policy also introduces a significant paradigm shift in road classification, where routes will be identified as urban or non-urban regardless of administrative ownership, paving the way for more streamlined governance. Safety remains non-negotiable, with a statewide Road Safety Action Plan set to be driven by the Odisha Road Safety Society. The mandate for road safety audits at all project stages and annual rectification of high-risk spots on highways underscores the government’s intent to move beyond tokenism and instil accountability. Structures like flyovers, foot overbridges, and road over bridges will now be designed not only for strength but also for aesthetic coherence with their surroundings, with material usage optimised for sustainability.
The state has committed to constructing 15,000 km of roads annually under this initiative. As per the Works Minister, newer engineering methods will be adopted to ensure visual harmony, accident reduction, and lower carbon footprints—aligning Odisha’s road development with global goals of decarbonised infrastructure and equitable mobility. In regions where poorly planned construction often leads to irreversible ecological damage, this bold roadmap could redefine the balance between growth and green priorities.
As cities across India struggle to reconcile rapid urbanisation with sustainable development, Odisha’s green-conscious road vision positions the state as a forward-thinking player in national infrastructure strategy. While the true test lies in transparent execution and community participation, the foundation laid through the State Road Policy 2025 could indeed pave the way for smarter, safer, and greener roadways.
New Odisha road policy prioritises climate resilience
