Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's support for state road and National Highway projects totaling Rs 41,580 crore. During a pre-budget meeting for the 2026-27 Union Budget, Parida also sought support under the 'Purvodaya' initiative for infrastructure development, incentives for fiscally prudent states, and increased capital investment allocations. Additional demands included revising ration cost norms for nutrition programs and enhancing central share for social assistance schemes.