The Centre has given its in-principle approval for the widening of the existing bridge at Palasuni on Gangua nala to six-lane to mitigate the traffic jam issue in the smart city.

According to sources, the proposal for the construction of a six-lane road over the Gangua Nala was approved by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. This development comes after Bhubaneswar Member of Parliament, Aparajita Sarangi, met the Union Minister during her visit to Delhi.

The project, which includes the expansion of the existing bridge over the Gangua Nala and the construction of an additional 6-lane road to alleviate traffic congestion in the Palasuni area, has been sanctioned with a budget of Rs 50 crore, source said, adding that, as part of the proposal, the four-lane road currently in place will be upgraded to a six-lane road.

Currently, the road over the Gangua Nala has four lanes, with one lane on each side for both the left and right.

The new plan includes the addition of two extra lanes on both sides, with the construction of an extended bridge spanning 240 meters. This will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area.