Why did Odisha need improved roads and bridges after Indian independence?

Following India's independence in 1947, Odisha faced a critical need for improved transportation infrastructure, as communication facilities were largely undeveloped at that time.

The primary drivers for this development were:

• Political Integration: The merger of numerous feudatory states into the province necessitated a cohesive network of roads to connect the newly unified regions.1
• Economic Development: The discovery of significant mineral resources required reliable infrastructure to facilitate extraction and transport.1

To address these needs, the state government initiated extensive construction programs beginning in the mid-20th century. These efforts included building bridges over most of the state's principal rivers, eventually leading to a comprehensive network of national highways and major roads by the early 21st century.1