2013 deadline for NH-203 four-laning

PURI: Chief Secretary BK Patnaik on Tuesday reviewed the four-laning work of Puri-Bhubaneswar NH-203 that is being carried out for the Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath in July 2015.At a high-level meeting here, Patnaik emphasised on timely completion of the four-laning work and widening of Puri-Satpada and Puri-Konark roads besides laying of new underground pipes for water supply in Puri. The underground cable system on the Grand Road was also discussed. The NHAI official present at the meeting said the four-laning work would be completed by 2013.The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the inordinate delay in laying of the sewer network in Puri and asked the officials to complete it by 2012-end. He directed the district administration to clear all encroachments around the temple and city roads for free flow of traffic.At least 50 lakh people are  be expected to congregate in Puri to witness the festival. About 30 lakh people witnessed the Nabakalebara of the three deities in 1996. District Magistrate Arabind Agarwal and SP Amitendranath Sinha were present.