Bhubaneswar, June 12: In a major move to enhance regional connectivity and drive infrastructure growth, the Odisha government has announced the construction of a new expressway — the Namo Expressway — linking Brahmapur in the south to Sambalpur in the west.
The proposed expressway aims to bridge key regions of the state, improve transport logistics, and open up economic opportunities for interior districts. Officials have been directed to submit a preliminary report on the project by June 16. The project is expected to be developed in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and is estimated to cost around ₹7,000 crore.
The announcement has generated public interest but also sparked discussion over the name of the project. Concerns were raised by some leaders and citizens about the exclusion of the name of a former state leader, who had been honored in similar past projects. Critics viewed it as an attempt to sideline historical contributions, while others emphasized that the focus should remain on the infrastructure itself and the benefits it will bring to the people.
The planned corridor is separate from the earlier expressway project that began last year, which aimed to connect Rourkela to Koraput through a 650-km route. Significant progress has already been made on that stretch, especially in segments linking Rourkela, Sambalpur, and parts of Kalahandi.
In addition to the Namo Expressway, the current administration is also exploring a greenfield highway between Brahmapur and Koraput to further strengthen internal road networks.
Though the final project design and route details are still being prepared, the expressway is expected to play a transformative role in improving travel efficiency, promoting trade, and creating jobs across districts that have long remained underserved.
As the project takes shape, many hope that it will be seen not through a political lens but as a much-needed step toward building a better-connected and more prosperous Odisha.