Odisha is aggressively tackling road safety by launching a massive drive to replace dangerous level crossings with 166 Railway Overbridges (ROBs). In a major win for the state’s finances, the Railways has agreed to fully fund and build 96 of these projects under the new Railway Policy-2024. This marks a significant shift, moving the heavy lifting of construction and cost away from the state and into the hands of specialised railway teams.
During a recent high-level review with East Coast Railway, officials outlined a plan to cut through the usual red tape. To avoid the common “deadlock” of land disputes, nodal officers have been appointed specifically to handle approach roads, ensuring that the bridges don’t become “islands” without connections.
For commuters, this isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about eliminating the daily gamble of level crossings. By removing these friction points, Odisha is aiming for a smoother, safer flow of traffic that saves lives and hours of travel time every single day.
