Odisha: Relief To Commuters Travelling Between Bhubaneswar And Cuttack As Hanspal Flyover To Open After Three-Year Delay

After a long wait of three years, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to formally inaugurate the much-anticipated Hanspal Flyover on Tuesday (21 January).

This Rs 24.5 crore project, which will provide significant relief to commuters travelling between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, has been a long-standing demand of local residents and travellers.

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi expressed her excitement on social media, saying, “Pleased to inform that Hanspal Flyover worth Rs 24.5 crore by NHAI will be formally opened for all on 21 January 2025, after a long wait of five years. My first initiative as MP, BBSR in 2019.”

The flyover, located on the busy National Highway-16, is set to reduce travel time and improve road safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Hanspal, Balianta, and surrounding areas had become notorious for frequent accidents due to heavy traffic and pedestrian movement.

The flyover, which includes underpasses for pedestrians, vehicles, and animals, is designed to ease congestion and ensure safer crossings.

Construction of the six-lane flyover began in 2020 but faced multiple delays due to technical issues and contractor problems. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured in December 2024 that the project would be completed by January 2025.

The 500-metre-long flyover will now provide smoother passage, particularly for heavy vehicles, and offer safer crossings for pedestrians and animals.

A Hanspal resident shared his relief, saying, “Finally, the flyover is opening and it is indeed a favourable development. It will definitely enhance the travel experience for the commuters. Most importantly, pedestrians and animals will get safer underpasses to cross the highway now.”