Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at improving urban mobility, the Odisha Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday approved the lowest turnkey bid for the upgradation of the 9.5-km Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan Road.

The project has been awarded to Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt Ltd at a cost of ₹579 crore. The upgrade will cover the stretch from Kalinga Stadium Gate No. 4 to Raghunathpur Bridge and includes the construction of multiple flyovers at key junctions. The project is targeted for completion within 24 months.

The scope of work includes widening the existing six-lane road to an eight-lane configuration, construction of a cable-stayed bridge at Jaydev Vihar, and flyovers at Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square, KIIT Square, and Kalarahanga junction. Additional components include minor bridges, cross-drainage structures, drainage systems, service roads, and slip roads.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the lowest EPC bid of ₹160.2 crore awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited for the development of a diversion road along the Duduka–Gopalpur–Toparia stretch in Sundargarh district. The 6.8-km six-lane road project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to the launch of the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036), proposed by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department. The mission aims to tap the state's vast offshore fisheries potential and boost blue economy-driven growth.

The mission is estimated to require an investment of ₹2,295.45 crore over the 10-year period. It will be implemented through a convergence of Central and State government schemes, beneficiary participation, institutional finance, and public-private partnerships.

A dedicated Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub) will be set up to serve as the mission’s centre for knowledge, innovation, and coordination.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved a comprehensive regulatory framework and operational guidelines to promote and regulate the culture of SPF Litopenaeus vannamei (white leg shrimp) and other suitable brackish water species in inland saline areas.

In total, the Odisha Cabinet approved 12 proposals during the meeting.