Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Monday evening approved several key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a women workers’ hostel in Khordha and a saddle spillway for the Brutang Reservoir in Nayagarh district.

The Cabinet approved a proposal from the Industries Department for the construction of a women workers’ hostel at the Kalibeti Industrial Area in Khordha, at an estimated cost of ₹210.36 crore. The project will be executed by IDCO and funded under SASCI, with a completion timeline of 24 months.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg informed the hostel will accommodate around 4,000 women workers and will be developed with integrated social and community infrastructure to support industrial growth.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved a proposal from the Water Resources Department for the construction of a saddle spillway for the Brutang Reservoir near Manjari village in Nayagarh district. The project, estimated at ₹194.07 crore, is scheduled for completion within 30 months.

Once completed, the Brutang Irrigation Project will provide assured irrigation to 309 villages, creating an irrigation potential of 23,300 hectares. The project is expected to significantly boost the socio-economic conditions of farmers and aid regional development.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the construction of a new in-stream storage structure downstream of the existing Ayodhya Sagar weir across the Mahanadi River. The project will include a bridge-cum-barrage along with allied works to ensure regulated and reliable water supply.

The state government approved the lowest financial bid of ₹440.33 crore for the construction and five years of operation and maintenance. The project is also expected to be completed within 30 months.

Upon completion, the structure will ensure sustainable drinking water supply to Sambalpur and nearby areas, support animal husbandry and fisheries, enhance groundwater recharge, and help maintain ecological balance.

The project is also expected to boost tourism and recreational activities such as boating, and facilitate the development of Alati Ghat for the Samaleswari Temple, promoting religious and cultural activities, the Chief Secretary added.

Overall, the Odisha Cabinet approved 10 proposals across five departments during the meeting.