Bhubaneswar: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday urged CM Mohan Charan Majhi to personally intervene to strengthen coal transportation and industrial road infrastructure in Angul district, citing rising coal output and increasing pressure on existing roads.In a letter to the CM, Pradhan proposed widening the Chhendipada-Angul stretch of State Highway-63 from two lanes to four, along with the construction of bypasses through densely populated areas. He also sought expansion of the Chhendipada-Jarapada Road to ease movement of heavy vehicles linked to mining activities.Highlighting Angul’s economic importance, Pradhan said the centrally located district, with a population of around 15 lakh, contributes nearly 5% to Odisha’s GSDP. “Angul’s annual coal production is expected to rise sharply from the current 116 million tonnes to 250-300 million tonnes by 2033,” he added.The district hosts several key industrial and energy installations, including the NALCO smelter plant, NTPC Kaniha, Talcher Super Thermal Power Station and multiple coal mines operated by the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, making it a critical hub for the state’s energy security.“Chhendipada alone accounts for nearly one-sixth of India’s coal reserves, underlining its national importance,” Pradhan said, adding that existing road infrastructure has become inadequate due to the surge in coal transportation. He pointed out that SH-63 and the Chhendipada-Jarapada road currently witness frequent traffic snarls and accidents.As part of the proposed solution, Pradhan said widening SH-63 and building bypasses would ensure smoother movement of coal-laden vehicles while improving road safety for residents. He also stressed that the upgradation of the Chhendipada-Jarapada road would reduce traffic load on SH-63 and create an alternate route.
