Transport is a crucial part of the infrastructure that helps a state grow and develop. It plays a key role in improving social services, human settlements, and the overall economic growth of Odisha. The State Government has, therefore, made developing transportation infrastructure a top priority.
Odisha has a well-developed network of various modes of transport. This transportation network helps both tourists visiting the state and local residents. The main types of transportation in Odisha include roads, railways, airways, and waterways.
Types of Transportation in Odisha
The transportation system in Odisha is divided into the following categories:
- Road Transport
- Rail Transport
- Air Transport
- Water Transport

Road Transport
Roads are one of the main ways people and goods move around Odisha. According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, Odisha has a total road length of 2,56,401.02 km. The road density, which means how many kilometers of road are present per 100 square kilometers of area, is 165 km in 2016-17.
Types of Roads in Odisha:
1. National Highways (NHs):
- These highways connect the major cities of Odisha, like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, to other parts of India.
- The total length of National Highways in Odisha is 4,837 km.
- The longest National Highway in Odisha is NH 326 New (513.7 km).
- The shortest is NH 130 C New (20 km).
NH No. | Route | Length (km) |
---|---|---|
5 | Baleshwar – Bhadrak – Cuttack – Bhubaneswar – Berhampur | 488 |
6 | Sambalpur – Deogarh – Kendujhargarh – Jashipur | 462 |
326 New | Asika – Rayagada – Koraput – Jeypore – Malkangiri | 513.7 |

2. Expressways:
- Odisha has a 650 km long expressway called Biju Expressway. It starts from Chandili in Koraput district and ends at Rourkela.
- Part of this expressway from Rourkela to Sambalpur was inaugurated in March 2018.
3. Golden Quadrilateral:
- This is a major road project that connects the important metropolitan cities of India.
- In Odisha, it connects Kolkata to Chennai and passes through Balasore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Berhampur, covering 440 km within the state.
4. State Highways:
- These highways connect important cities, towns, and district headquarters within the state and also link them to National Highways.
- There are 31 state highways in Odisha, with a total length of 4,100.63 km.
5. Urban Roads:
- These roads are located within the boundaries of cities and towns in Odisha.
- The total length of urban roads in Odisha is 18,590.69 km.
6. District Roads:
- These roads connect district headquarters to the main town centers in the districts and to other districts.
- The total length of district roads in Odisha is 16,270.92 km.
7. Rural Roads:
- These roads are important for connecting rural areas and are maintained by the Rural Development Department.
- The total length of rural roads in Odisha is 36,128.34 km.
Important Points for Odisha Government Exams
- Biju Expressway: Know the route and importance of this expressway.
- Golden Quadrilateral: Understand its significance in connecting major cities.
- National Highways: Be familiar with the longest and shortest NH in Odisha.
- State Highways: Remember there are 31 state highways, and they are crucial for intrastate connectivity.
Works Department, Government of Odisha
This department focuses on the development and maintenance of the state’s extensive road network. It handles projects such as road and bridge construction, cross drainage, and nullah works. The department includes the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OB&CC), incorporated in 1983, and other wings like the Design, Planning, and Investigation Wing, Research, Development and Quality Promotion Wing, and the National Highways Wing.
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC)
The Government of Odisha took over bus services in 1948, which led to the formation of OSRTC on 15th May 1974, following the enactment of the RTC Act in 1950. OSRTC, a public sector undertaking, is headquartered in Bhubaneswar and has 23 divisions.
Policies and Programmes for Road Transport in Odisha
- Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF): Established by the Government of India in 1995-96 to finance ongoing rural infrastructure projects. It is maintained by NABARD.
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Launched on 25th December 2000, aimed at providing connectivity to rural villages. Odisha has constructed 43,222 km of roads under this scheme till December 2017.
- State Highways Development Programme (SHDP): Launched in 2013-14 to develop state highways to 2-lane standards. By 2016-17, about 1,213 km of roads had been developed.
- Biju Gaon Gadi Yojana (BGGY): Launched in February 2014 to develop transport systems in rural villages. It is being implemented in three phases across various districts.
Rail Transport in Odisha
Odisha’s railway network is crucial for industrial infrastructure and socio-economic growth. The state has 2,606.267 km of railway lines and is connected with the national rail network. Key railway routes include:
- Nirgundi to Talcher-Angul
- Khurda to Puri
- Cuttack to Paradip
- Naupada to Gunapur
East Coast Railway: Established on 1st April 2003, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, covering Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh with divisions in Sambalpur, Khordha Road, and Waltair.
South Eastern Railways: Established on 1st August 1955, with divisions in Sambalpur and Khurda. This zone serves important industries like the National Aluminium Company and Paradip Port.
Government Initiatives for Railway Transport
Odisha signed an agreement on 23rd August 2014 to develop the Mass Rapid Transit System between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The state also initiated new railway lines and corridors to improve freight movement.
Air Transport in Odisha
Managed by the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Odisha has 19 airstrips across 15 districts, with 12 owned by the state government. The capital, Bhubaneswar, has Biju Patnaik International Airport. The state is also working on developing greenfield airports and upgrading existing aerodromes to boost intra-state and inter-state aviation.
Water Transport in Odisha
Odisha has a well-developed water transport system, including inland waterways and coastal shipping. The state benefits from six Inland National Waterways as per the National Waterways Act, 2016. Major ports include:
- Paradip Port: The only major port, declared as the 8th major port of India in 1966, managed by Paradip Port Trust (PPT).
- Gopalpur Port: A natural port in Ganjam district, managed by TATA Group.
- Dhamra Port: A major port in Bhadrak district, developed by a joint venture between Larsen & Toubro and TATA Steel, now managed by Adani Group.
Other important upcoming ports include Palur, Bali-Harichandi, Astarang, and Bahuda Muhan.
FAQs
- When was the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana launched in Odisha?
- 25th December, 2000
- Which Yojana aims to provide connectivity to rural villages in the country?
- PMGSY
- When did the State Highways Development Programme come into existence?
- 2013-14
- Through how many districts of Odisha do railway routes pass?
- 24 districts
- When did the East Coast Railway come into existence?
- 2003
- Which district in Odisha does the South Eastern Railway pass through?
- Sambalpur
- Which districts in Odisha are known as the ‘twin cities of the state’?
- Cuttack-Bhubaneswar
- What is the name of the International Airport located in Odisha?
- Biju Pattnaik Airport
- Where is the Utkala airstrip located in Odisha?
- Bhawanipatna
- How many Inland National Waterways benefit the state of Odisha?
- 6
- What is the total length of National Waterway 5?
- 623 km
- Over which river of Odisha is the National Waterway 14 stretched?
- Baitarani river
- Which National Waterway is stretched over the Mahanadi river?
- NW 64
- Which is a major port in Odisha?
- Paradip
- Which port in Odisha has an artificial type lagoon?
- Paradip
- Which port is situated between Paradip and Visakhapatnam ports?
- Gopalpur
- Dhamra Port Company Ltd. is a joint venture between which companies?
- Tata Steel and Larsen and Toubro
- What is the BGGY scheme launched by the Odisha Government in 2014?
- A scheme to develop the transport system in rural areas.
- Where is the zonal railway headquarters of East Coast Railway located?
- Bhubaneswar
- Which district in Odisha is the Bali-Harichandi port located?
- Puri
- Which district in Odisha is the Biju Pattnaik International Airport located?
- Bhubaneswar