Bhubaneswar, Feb 28 (IANS): Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday accused the Odisha government of creating hurdles in the implementation of several developmental and welfare schemes proposed by the Centre in the state.

"The Odisha government has been creating hurdles in the implementation of several developmental and welfare schemes in the state. I urge the state government to cooperate in the completion of the projects for the larger interests of Odisha," said Pradhan.

The Minister, who conducted a ceremony for three National Highway projects of 119.5 km to be built at a cost of Rs 2,067.5 crore, requested the state government not to politicise the development projects for the benefit of the people.

The projects are six laning of Bhadrak-Balasore section of NH-5 (new NH-16), six laning of Tangi-Bhubaneswar section of NH-5 (new NH-16) and three vehicular underpasses at Balikuda, Sikhapur and Badachana of Bhubaneswar-Chandikhole section of NH-5 (new NH-16).

"The projects will give a boost to the state's economy, generate employment opportunities and help improve socio-economic condition of the people. With the Golden Quadrilateral project, former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji gave four-lane roads and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi is developing them into six lanes," Pradhan said.

He said the national highways will also provide better interstate connectivity between West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

"The Narendra Modi-led Central government has been taking steps for growth and progress of Odisha including the development of national highways and coastal highway for better connectivity," he added.