Comprehensive District Annual Plan 2011-12 Balasore District

Comprehensive District Annual Plan 2011-12 Balasore District
2.6. Transport:
Transport and communication are primary infrastructural requirement of a district to
achieve rapid economic development. The growth of the district and quality of life is
dependent on the adequate transport facilities. Balasore district having an area of 3806 sq
kms, has 12 blocks and 2586 inhabited villages.
The National Highway 5 & 60 runs for a length of 118 km. within the district from Simulia
to Laxmanath. These NH are the major communication system connecting Balasore with
outside world. It connects the district headquarter with state capital Bhubaneswar,
Cuttack, Mayurbhanj and metros like Kolkata and Chennai. South Eastern Railway line
runs for about 114.98 Kms inside the district with 14 nos. of railway stations and 4 nos. of
passenger halts. The details of the road and rail network in the district are presented below:
Table 2.56. Details of Road and Rail Network in the district
Type Details
National Highway No.5 & 60 118 km
State Highway 67 km
Major District Roads 105 km
Other District Roads 326 km
Forest Roads 79 km
GP Roads 1682 km
Village Roads 1221
P.S. Roads 787 km
Classified Village Road -
Railway Routes 114.98
Number of Railway Stations 18
Majority of the villages and Gram Panchayats are connected by good quality roads, but
floods damage the roads every year. In fact, the elevation of rural roads in the district is
very low and lack adequate culverts, bridges for discharge of flood/rain water. As a result,
during flood the roads gets washed away disrupting communication. Keeping the problem
in view, importance is being given on design aspect of the roads being constructed in the
district for the last several years. Adequate drainage facilities with raised elevations are the
major consideration in road designs.
SWOT analysis of Communication and Transport sector
Strengths
• Well connected by road and rail with outside world.
Weaknesses
• Flood damage the roads every year.
• Low elevation of rural roads, lack of adequate culverts, bridges for discharge of
flood/rain water.
Opportunities
• Rural roads need to be upgraded to facilitate easy transport of agricultural
produces and improve the economic status of farmers.
• PMGSY, MGNREGS offer scope for construction and upgrading of roads.
• Major District Roads, Urban roads need to have adequate safety measures like
pedestrian bays, traffic safety measures near schools, hospitals, market places
etc.
• Truck terminals need to be constructed in all market places to avoid congestions.
Threats
• Un-expected increase in number of vehicles on road.
• Youths below 18 years are driving vehicles without being properly trained.
TSI: NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) 51