Following is from the Orissa government press release at http://rc.orissa.gov.in/index3.asp?linkid=30&sublinkid=232.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa met the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri T.R. Baalu today. The meeting mainly focused on the poor conditions of the National Highways in Orissa and the ways & means of improving their standards. In particular, the Chief Minister invited his attention towards the deteriorating condition of NH-215, which connects Panikoili to Rajamunda. This road is the lifeline of the mineral-based industries in Orissa and needs Rs.95.00 Crore for immediate repair and restoration. The Union Minister, Shri Baalu assured to sanction the entire amount immediately and take all steps for maintaining the National Highway. He also assured an immediate increase in the present allocation of funds from Rs.85 Crore to Rs.130 Crore for National Highways in Orissa like NH-6, NH-200 (Chandikhol to Talcher), NH-224 (Khurda to Bolangir), NH-217 (Gopalpur to Raipur), NH-201 (Borigumma to Bargarh) and NH-23 (Biramitrapur to Banarpal) and further increase of Rs.30 Crore in the allocation based on actual need and expenditure. Chief Minister also requested him to augment allocation of funds for repair of the flood damaged roads. Discussion was held on the proposed Vijaywada-Ranchi road passing through Orissa. This road will serve as a security corridor and also provide a boost to the economic development in the leftwing extremist-affected regions of the State. It was decided that Survey work for this project will be taken up by the State PWD and funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways quickly. The Union Minister assured his full cooperation and agreed to have a joint meeting of the Chief Ministers of Orissa, A.P. and Jharkhand early to sort out the inter-State issues. He also assured to visit Orissa shortly to have detailed discussions with the State Government on these issues.

Following is from the PIB release http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=32002.

The Chief Minister of Orissa Shri Naveen Patnaik called on the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T.R. Baalu here today and discussed the various ongoing road projects in the State.

On a request from the Chief Minister for improving and strengthening of National Highway 215 (Panikoili to Rajamunda), Thiru Baalu informed Shri Patnaik that the technical sanction of Rs. 95 crore would be granted immediately It may be recalled that the entire length of 269 kms of NH- 215 has been included under NHDP Phase III and preparation of DPR for four-laning upgradation by NHAI is under way. Meanwhile, in order to improve the deteriorating condition of the National Highways in Orissa, the Ministry would allocate additional Rs 45 crore.

Thiru Baalu indicated to Shri Patnaik that the menace of overloaded trucks has taken its toll on NH 215 and the road condition has deteriorated rapidly. He urged the State Government to take immediate measures to control the plying of over-loaded vehicles on NHs. In order to curb the practice of overloading and to ease the problem of traffic congestion, Thiru Baalu desired that the State Government should organize a meeting with all the stakeholders in which Union Shipping and Road Transport & Highways Secretaries should also participate within a fortnight for finalizing the modalities for strengthening of National Highway 215 which is suffering from the menace of over-loading.

Regarding the Vijayawada – Ranchi Road, Thiru Baalu told the State CM that the Government of Orissa will have to expedite the finalization of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for remaining 600 km of this route in Orissa. The Minister desired to have a detailed presentation on this project as it comprises of National Highways, State Highways and the Village Roads. Thiru Baalu said that he would also be interacting with the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand to expedite finalization of the modalities for this Project.

Regarding the Road connectivity to Paradip Port (NH 5A), the Union Minister told Shri Patnaik that land acquisition for NHDP in general and Paradip Port in particular is required to be expedited by the State Goverment. He also emphasized for immediate identification of alternate service roads and parking places for easing the traffic congestion near the Port area.