The Government of Odisha has undertaken several infrastructural projects in order to attract investors and promote overall development of the State. Infrastructure set up in the State includes, well connected road and rail network; airports, ports, power and telecom. Recognising the crucial role played by infrastructure in economic development of a State, the Government has announced an infrastructure policy. According to the policy, for rapid industrialization and balanced growth of the State, adequate infrastructural facilities are a necessity. The policy aims to facilitate investments in the sector, by providing a framework for private participation in financing, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects.

Roadways

Odisha has a well developed road network, with a total road length of around 2,37,332 km. This includes 3,595 km of National highway; 5,102 km of State highway; 29 km of State express highway; 3,189 km of major district roads; 6,334 km of other district roads; 27,882 km of rural roads; etc. The National highway connects Kolkata and Chennai as well as the transport corridor between East and South India. In order to further improve the road connectivity, the State Government is encouraging private investment into the sector.

Railways

Odisha is well-connected with the national rail network. It has a railway route of 2,287 km, including 91 km of narrow gauge. The State links the eastern and western India through the railway networks of 'South-Eastern' and 'East-Coast' railways. The East Coast Railway, is the largest carrier of commercial load in both freight as well as passenger traffic in the country. Besides, the 'Talcher-Sambalpur' railway is a vital link between the coastal and western Odisha.

Ports

Odisha is an important maritime State, having a coastline of 500 km, endowed with strategic and natural port locations. It's paradeep port is one of the 12 major ports in India. It is the main port along the eastern coast of India, serving the States of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. The port is capable of handling almost all types of cargo. The facilities available at the port include iron and ore berths, cargo berths, equipments storage, etc. It offers tremendous opportunities for international trade and is being expanded constantly. Besides, Gopalpur has been developed as an all-weather port.

Aviation

Odisha has a domestic airport at Bhubaneswar. It directly links the capital city to major places like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Nagpur, Hyderabad,etc. The Government is undertaking the expansion and modernisation of the airport. There are also 13 airstrips and 16 helipads in the State for landing of aircrafts and helicopters.

Power

The State has a total installed capacity of 4,845.34 MW. It is known to be a surplus State in electricity production and is also pioneer in India to introduce power sector reforms. The State Government has opened up the sector for private investment in generation, transmission and distribution of power.

Telecommunication

The State has made rapid strides in the telecom sector. The network has spread to the remotest corners of the State, linking them to the information super highway. There are about 1,136 telephone exchanges in the State and telephone facilities are available in 40,753 villages, which comprise 86.72% of the total villages in the State.

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