Odisha Cabinet approves policy to expedite city gas distribution projects

The Cabinet green-lighted the construction of a bridge over the Kathajodi river on the upstream side of the existing Subash Chandra Bose Setu to provide a direct link from Cuttack city to Bhubaneswar at a cost of ₹158,88 crore. The bridge will ease traffic congestion on NH-16 connecting the twin cities, with an expected completion time of 36 months.

The Cabinet approved Odisha State Data Policy 2.0 to institutionalise a comprehensive data governance framework across the data lifecycle and the use of data generated by government departments and related organisations. The policy is expected to enhance governance efficiency, improve the accuracy and reliability of data used in public schemes and welfare programmes, enable seamless data interoperability, and position Odisha as a national leader in transparent, trusted, data-driven governance.

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the City Gas Distribution policy to accelerate PNG and CNG infrastructure across the state. The policy seeks to address multi-agency approvals and the lack of a unified framework, enabling faster project implementation through streamlined processes. The Housing and Urban Development Department will act as the nodal agency, supported by a state-level high-powered committee and district-level monitoring panels. It also proposes a one-time moratorium on approval fees till March 2027. The move is expected to attract private investment, create employment, and improve ease of doing business.