Bhubaneswar, June 2: In a major infrastructure boost for Odisha, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a new coastal highway connecting Rameshwar and Paradeep. The ambitious project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹8,300.79 crore.

The proposed highway will be constructed in two packages covering a total length of 160.18 km. Once completed, the corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity along Odisha’s coast by reducing travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by nearly two-and-a-half hours. The project is also expected to facilitate safer, faster, and uninterrupted movement of both passenger and freight traffic.

According to an official statement, the highway will bring substantial benefits through reduced fuel consumption, lower vehicle operating costs, and decreased carbon emissions, contributing to sustainable transportation and economic efficiency.

The project forms part of the Golden Quadrilateral network. While the existing NH-316 connects Bhubaneswar, Puri, Satapada, and Konark, stretches between Puri-Satapada and Puri-Konark face challenges due to poor road geometry, ribbon development, and heavy local traffic, making long-distance travel difficult.

Under the approved plan, Package-I from Rameshwar to Konark will be developed as a four-lane highway, while Package-II from Konark to Paradeep will be a two-lane road with paved shoulders. The corridor has been designed for a speed of up to 100 km per hour.

Passing through the districts of Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur, the project is expected to enhance regional mobility, improve access to tourism and industrial hubs, and accelerate socio-economic development across coastal Odisha.

Powered by Froala Editor