Ganjam Government Sanctions Three Road Projects Worth ₹290 Crore for Town Development.

Aska, a major town in Ganjam district, is set to receive a significant infrastructure upgrade after the central government sanctioned three major road and bridge projects worth approximately ₹290 crore.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a bypass road connecting National Highways NH-157 and NH-59 at an estimated cost of ₹159.5 crore. The project also includes the construction of high-level bridges over the Rushikulya and Badanadi rivers, which flow on either side of Aska, as well as the Tipisara nullah that runs through the town, with an additional estimated cost of ₹126.5 crore.

According to sources, the Works Department of the state government granted administrative approval for the bridge projects on Wednesday. The bypass road, spanning 6.72 km, will be developed as a two-lane corridor featuring two flyovers and one underpass, designed to divert traffic away from Aska town. Of the total project cost, ₹37.43 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition.

The bridge works will be executed under the Setu Bandhan scheme as part of the Central Road Infrastructure Fund for 2025–26.

In addition, the Centre has sanctioned ₹66.35 lakh for preparing a feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR) for a proposed four-lane greenfield road from Berhampur to Aska. The final project cost for the 33-km stretch will be determined after the DPR is completed.

Local representatives welcomed the approvals, with Saroj Kumar Padhy stating that the projects are expected to ease traffic congestion in the town, reduce flood-related issues, and significantly improve connectivity in the region. The proposed greenfield road between Berhampur and Aska is also expected to reduce travel distance between the two towns.