The Odisha Cabinet has greenlit eight key proposals, including the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, to enhance Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure statewide. These initiatives align with the push for clean and sustainable energy. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, saw approvals across eight departments at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the significance of transitioning to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) over LPG, especially post West Asia developments. The policy’s goal is to ensure PNG availability in cities and institutions throughout Odisha. Stressing the national importance, she emphasized that this move aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The policy aims to address challenges like multi-agency approvals and the absence of a unified regulatory framework, thereby facilitating smoother expansion of PNG infrastructure in urban areas.
The City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy is expected to expedite project implementation through streamlined processes. The Housing and Urban Development Department will spearhead this, aided by a State-level High-Powered Committee and District Monitoring Committees. Notably, the policy is designed to attract private investments, create job opportunities, and improve the business environment without burdening the state financially. A proposed one-time moratorium on approval fees until March 2027 is also part of the plan.
In a bid to enhance data governance, the Cabinet also approved the Odisha State Data Policy 2.0. This policy aims to establish a robust data governance framework covering the entire data lifecycle within government departments and associated organizations. The comprehensive framework includes aspects like data collection, storage, processing, and utilization. To ensure effective implementation, a multi-tier governance structure has been sanctioned, with various committees overseeing different aspects of data governance and compliance.
The Cabinet further sanctioned the construction of a high-level bridge over the Kathajodi river to link Cuttack and Bhubaneswar directly. This project, located upstream of the existing Subash Chandra Bose Setu, aims to alleviate congestion on National Highway-16 and enhance connectivity between the two cities. The approved bid of Rs 158.88 crore (excluding GST) has been awarded to M/s SPS Construction India Pvt Ltd. The project, slated for completion within 36 months, is expected to improve travel time and traffic flow between Bhubaneswar Airport and Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Additionally, the Cabinet greenlit a proposal by Shree Ambica Cotspin Pvt. Ltd. to establish a modern yarn manufacturing unit in Bolangir district. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to boost industrial development in the KBK region and other Aspirational Districts.
