Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at improving urban mobility in the city, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Friday laid the foundation stone for a six-lane road connecting Guru Kelucharan Park with Patia railway station.The 45-metre-wide road, planned under the comprehensive development plan (CDP), will stretch 2.387 km through Patia, Chandrasekharpur and Gadakana. The Rs 55.85 crore project is expected to provide a vital link to Patia railway station under Right Side Road Network and reduce traffic pressure on the busy Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan corridor.The road will be developed with modern urban infrastructure, including streetlights, footpaths, drainage systems, and a dedicated utility corridor. Officials said the project is targeted for completion within 18 months.Addressing the gathering, Mahapatra said the project would play a significant role in improving the city’s transport network. “Bhubaneswar is expanding rapidly and infrastructure development must keep pace with urban growth. This road will ease congestion on key stretches, provide better access to Patia railway station and improve commuting experience for residents from this part of Bhubaneswar,” he said.Bhubaneswar North MLA Susant Kumar Rout said the road would address a long-pending demand of residents. “The area has witnessed substantial residential and commercial growth in recent years. Improved road connectivity will benefit thousands of daily commuters and support future development in Patia and adjoining localities,” he said.BDA vice-chairman Chanchal Rana said the authority is focusing on creating a more efficient and integrated road network across the city. “The project has been designed with provisions for pedestrians, utilities and proper drainage. It will not only improve connectivity but also contribute to safer and more sustainable urban infrastructure,” he said.After the event, the minister reviewed the progress of the Affordable Housing Project (AHP) at Gadakana. Being implemented by BDA under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, the project comprises 680 dwelling units.Officials said the housing project is expected to strengthen affordable housing infrastructure in the state capital and provide improved residential facilities to eligible beneficiaries, in line with the govt’s efforts to promote inclusive urban development.