New Coastal Highway from Rameshwar to Paradeep: A Game Changer for Odisha's Connectivity

Government Approves Major Infrastructure Project

New Delhi/Paradeep: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for a new coastal highway project connecting Rameshwar and Paradeep, utilizing the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in Odisha.

This highway will be developed in two segments, totaling 160.18 kilometers, with an estimated investment of Rs 8,300.79 crore.

Once completed, the highway is expected to cut travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, ensuring safe and efficient transport for both passengers and freight.

Moreover, the initiative aims to significantly lower fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and vehicle operating costs, as stated by officials.

The new coastal highway will be integrated into the Golden Quadrilateral network and will feature a six-lane design, passing through key urban areas such as Khurda, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.

Currently, NH-316 links Bhubaneswar to Puri and extends towards Satapada and Konark.

However, the existing road conditions along the Puri–Satapada and Puri–Konark routes are inadequate, with about 40% of the area experiencing ribbon development and heavy local commuter traffic, hindering efficient long-distance travel.

The proposed project will consist of a four-lane configuration from Rameshwar to Konark (Package-1) and a two-lane road with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep (Package-2), designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h, enhancing travel efficiency across the districts of Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur.

This development is set to improve regional mobility and stimulate socio-economic growth.

Aligned with the PM GatiShakti principles, the project will connect nine Economic Nodes and five Logistic Nodes, positively influencing the country's Logistic Performance Index (LPI).