Overview
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 84th IRC session in Bhubaneswar on November 7 alongside Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior officials.
- He announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore for Odisha’s road development to be provided to the state government and said three previously approved packages are being expedited.
- Gadkari indicated a restart of the delayed Gopalpur–Puri coastal road after modifications and cited tougher quality norms for DPRs along with adoption of bio-bitumen and recycled plastic.
- The congress runs through November 10 with an exhibition and 19 technical sessions focused on eco-friendly, resilient infrastructure and road safety.
- Odisha leaders reiterated a plan to construct 75,000 km of roads in five years and a target to become a top state in road network within 8–10 years.