TFP Bureau, New Delhi, August 19, 2025: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major infrastructure projects that are set to transform connectivity in eastern and northern India. The decisions include the construction of a six-lane access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass) in Odisha at a capital cost of ₹8,307.74 crore and the development of a new Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan at an estimated cost of ₹1,507 crore.
Six-Lane Bhubaneswar Ring Road: A Game-Changer for Odisha
The Cabinet approved the development of a 110.875 km six-lane access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road, connecting Rameshwar to Tangi, under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). Currently, connectivity along this stretch of National Highway suffers heavy congestion, particularly between Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, which are highly urbanized and traffic-dense cities.
The new greenfield highway will divert heavy commercial traffic away from these cities, significantly decongesting urban centers and improving travel times. By integrating with three major National Highways (NH-55, NH-57, NH-655) and one State Highway (SH-65), the project will provide seamless connectivity to major industrial and economic nodes across Odisha.
The corridor is expected to play a vital role in linking 10 economic zones, 4 social nodes, and 5 logistics hubs. It will also connect with key multi-modal points including the Bhubaneswar Airport, Khordha Railway Station, a proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), and two ports—Puri and Astrang. Such integration is expected to improve freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and encourage new trade and industrial activity.
Beyond economic impact, the project will generate massive employment opportunities, with around 74.43 lakh person-days of direct employment and 93.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment. It is projected that the highway will handle an estimated 28,282 Passenger Car Units (PCU) daily by FY-2025, reflecting its importance in meeting future traffic demand.
Officials noted that the ring road will not only enhance industrial growth but also strengthen socio-economic linkages, improve access to aspirational and tribal districts, and drive prosperity across Odisha and other eastern states.
Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi: Strengthening Rajasthan’s Aviation Infrastructure
In another landmark approval, the Cabinet sanctioned the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, with an estimated investment of ₹1,507 crore. The project will be implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with the Government of Rajasthan already transferring 440.06 hectares of land for the purpose.
Kota, often called the industrial capital of Rajasthan and world-renowned as the Educational Coaching Hub of India, has witnessed significant growth in air travel demand. The existing airport, with a small 1,220-meter runway and limited capacity of handling only 50 passengers at peak hours, is inadequate for commercial aviation and expansion due to surrounding urbanization.
The new airport will be designed for modern aviation requirements, capable of handling A-321 type aircraft. The facilities will include a 20,000 sq. m terminal building with the capacity to manage 1,000 peak-hour passengers and serve 2 million passengers annually. A 3,200-meter-long runway, apron space for seven aircraft, two link taxiways, an Air Traffic Control and technical block, a fire station, and parking infrastructure will be developed as part of the project.
Officials said the airport will meet the anticipated passenger traffic demand from Kota’s thriving education, industrial, and tourism sectors. With improved connectivity, the project is expected to boost trade, tourism, and ease travel for thousands of students and professionals who flock to the city each year.
National Significance of the Projects
Both projects underline the government’s continued focus on infrastructure-driven growth. While the Bhubaneswar Ring Road will act as a catalyst for industrial and economic expansion in eastern India by easing traffic bottlenecks and improving logistics, the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport will strengthen Rajasthan’s position as a hub for education, trade, and industry.
Together, these initiatives are expected to unlock fresh avenues for investment, generate large-scale employment, and enhance regional competitiveness in line with the government’s vision of transforming infrastructure to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across India.
