Bhubaneswar: The Odisha state government will spend Rs10,066.38 crores over the next six years (from 2025-26 to 2030-31) for flood control in the Mahanadi River and the efficient management of the Hirakud Dam. With financial assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Cabinet has approved three key projects under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP-3) for the repair, modernization, and other related works of the Hirakud Dam.
Key Projects Include:
1. Construction of an Additional Spillway on the left dyke of the Hirakud Dam.
2. Assessment and Rehabilitation of critical structures to enhance dam safety and longevity.3. Automation of Gates for both the main dam and the proposed additional spillway to improve control and monitoring.
The construction of the additional spillway will help in the safe discharge of excess floodwater, while the repair and upgrading of the dam’s critical structures will ensure its long-term sustainability.
Four Major Bridges to Be Built at a Cost of Rs896 Crores
The Cabinet has also approved the construction of four major bridges over prominent rivers in the state, with a total budget of Rs896.4 crores:
1. Bridge over the Baitarani River near the old bridge on the Bhadrak-Chandbali road to connect Kendrapara and Chandbali, easing traffic on State Highway-9 and improving connectivity to Bhitarkanika National Park.
Budget: Rs206.88 crores
Completion Time: 3 years
2. Bridge over the Kharsrota River near the old bridge on the Cuttack-Chandbali road, connecting Ali and Chandbali.
Budget: Rs221.53 crores
Completion Time: 3 years
3. Four-lane Bridge over the Brahmani River on the Cuttack-Chandbali road near the existing old bridge.
Budget: Rs228.99 crores
Completion Time: 3 years
4. Bridge over the Mahanadi River at Pujaripalli Ghat in Jharsuguda district, connecting Jarimuli in Bargarh district. This project will enhance connectivity to NH-200 (currently NH-49) via Dunguri in Bargarh.
Budget: Rs239 crores