Modi Govt Greenlights ₹447 Crore Highway Overhaul in Odisha to Boost Interstate Connectivity
BHUBANESWAR: In a major push for infrastructure development in Western Odisha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the approval of ₹447.11 crore for the massive upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar highway section.
The project, spanning 103.52 km, is set to transform the transport landscape across the Nuapada and Balangir districts, while promising a ripple effect of economic benefits for the entire region.
Strengthening the Chhattisgarh-Odisha Corridor
The approved stretch is a critical component of NH-353 and NH-59, which together serve as a vital interstate corridor. This artery connects the Raipur–Mahasamund industrial belt in Chhattisgarh directly with Odisha’s heartland, extending all the way to the strategic Gopalpur Port and the city of Berhampur.
By modernizing this route, the government aims to:
Streamline Freight: Facilitate faster movement of goods between Chhattisgarh and Odisha’s coastal ports.
Enhance Regional Mobility: Improve travel times for residents in Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts.
Focus on Safety: Eliminating "Black Spots"
A primary objective of this ₹447 crore investment is the rectification of "black spots"—locations where road accidents are historically concentrated. The project includes the provision of paved shoulders, a move specifically designed to safeguard two-wheeler riders, who make up the majority of the local traffic volume.
"This corridor improvement will ensure smoother and more efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic while significantly enhancing road safety," stated Minister Gadkari in his announcement.
A Shot in the Arm for Tourism
Beyond commerce, the highway upgrade is expected to unlock the tourism potential of Odisha’s scenic highlands. Improved road quality will provide easier access to:
Daringbadi: Often referred to as the 'Kashmir of Odisha.'
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary: A hub for biodiversity and eco-tourism.
Western Hill Regions: Boosting local hospitality and small-scale economic sectors.
This infrastructure milestone is viewed as a strategic step toward narrowing the developmental gap in Odisha's hinterlands, fostering better interstate trade, and ensuring safer journeys for thousands of daily commuters.
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