The Odisha government has laid out a massive ₹41,580 crore wish list for road and National Highway projects, urging the Centre to provide the necessary funding in the upcoming Union Budget. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida made the case for the state on Saturday during a pre-budget consultation in New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Representing the state at the high-level meeting, Parida handed over a detailed memorandum that went well beyond just transport infrastructure. She called for a significant boost under the ‘Purvodaya’ initiative, arguing that Odisha needs a much stronger "enabling environment" for critical infrastructure if it is to meet its ambitious ‘Viksit Odisha’ targets by 2047.
The state is also pushing for more financial leeway. Parida asked the Union Finance Minister to incentivise states that manage their books prudently and requested an increase in the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the 2026-27 financial year. On the social front, Odisha is looking for more help with its welfare bill, specifically calling for an increase in the central share of social pensions and a revision of food cost norms for the Supplementary Nutrition Programme to keep up with inflation.
Tourism was another major talking point, with Parida seeking federal support to turn Odisha’s landmarks into international travel hubs. The memorandum also touched on several other practical pain points, from funding for paddy procurement and grain storage to the timely release of cash for the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ water projects.
Nirmala Sitharaman reportedly assured the delegation that Odisha’s proposals would be given "due consideration" as the ministry begins drafting the 2026–27 budget. For the state government, getting these funds released is seen as vital for maintaining the current pace of urbanisation and industrial growth.
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