Bhubaneswar: The state govt will construct 23 modern truck terminals along national highways across Odisha, equipped with parking facilities and hotel amenities to ease congestion and improve logistics infrastructure, transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said on Thursday.The terminals, aimed at providing organised parking spaces and basic rest facilities for truck drivers and helpers, are in the final stages of construction, the minister said in a social media post. “The project is expected to boost freight movement efficiency and road safety across major highways,” he added.The project has been assigned to National Highways Logistics Management Ltd for execution but, given the slow pace of work at several sites, Jena issued a stern warning to the contracting agency, asking it to expedite completion. “Despite repeated directions, progress has not been satisfactory at some locations. Any further delay will not be tolerated,” Jena said.He directed the transport department to explore the option of assigning the remaining work to a new agency if the present contractor fails to meet the deadline.Officials said the truck terminals are planned at strategic locations along national highways to provide safe halting points for long-haul vehicles, reduce roadside parking and minimise accidents caused by fatigue among drivers. Each terminal will have designated truck bays, restrooms, food facilities and lodging arrangements.The state govt has been focusing on strengthening logistics infrastructure in view of increasing freight traffic through highways, particularly with rising industrial and mining activity. Once completed, the truck terminals are likely to improve convenience for drivers, while also benefitting local economies along highways.
