TNI Bureau: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started work to widen the busy Palasuni bridge on National Highway‑16 in Bhubaneswar from four lanes to six lanes to reduce chronic traffic congestion.

Confirming the development, NHAI Chief General Manager (Odisha) Virendra Singh said the expansion work has been awarded at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore and is expected to be completed within one and a half years. He said the bridge was originally constructed as a four-lane structure under the 2007 Detailed Project Report, and a new contract has now been issued to widen both the bridge and its approach road to six lanes.

Earlier, in December 2025, NHAI and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed slums beneath the bridge to facilitate construction of a third bridge over the Gangua Nala. This section has witnessed frequent accidents and heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. Several fatal accidents, vehicle pile-ups, and incidents involving stray animals have been reported at the site in recent years.

In addition to road widening, NHAI has also planned Odisha’s first covered skywalk, a 500-metre elevated pedestrian walkway connecting Palasuni and Rasulgarh. The skywalk, estimated to cost Rs 20 crore, will include proper lighting, multiple exits, and secure pathways to improve pedestrian safety and prevent jaywalking.

The six-lane expansion and skywalk projects are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance road safety on this important national highway stretch in Bhubaneswar.