The chief minister of the Indian state of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik has asked the central government for early approval of 45 roads in the Maoist-affected districts in the state to address the issue by development of the region.

The CM pointed to the spread of Left- wing extremism in the state and raised the issue during his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Dr CP Joshi in New Delhi. The CM had also informed the union minister of the damage caused by September floods.

Dr. Joshi has responded with assurances that the central government is committed to the development of roads in the affected regions and the approval for the 45 new roads, which will run into 1,358 km and would cost Rs. 2,674 crore, will come about within this financial year.

The CM has also requested for Rs. 50 crore making urgent repairs to the roads and for restoration of damaged National Highways. He asked the centre for up-gradation of the two approved National Highways to four lanes to be taken up at the earliest. The two approved national highways are from Panikoili to Remuli and Talcher to Chandikhole in the state.

He is requesting for up-gradation of five State Highways including Berhampur-Koraput, Madhapur-Rayagada, Phulnakhara-Konark, Kuakhia-Aradi-Bhadrak and Palasa-Khariar to national highways. His demands also included immediate repair of the high-level bridge over river Jira on NH-6 along with construction of additional waterway on NH-60.

The union minister informed the CM that his ministry has approved the Transport Management System for Orissa State Road Transport Corporation at a cost of Rs. 4.7 crore, aimed at improving road safety on national highways.