Odisha Coastal Highway Set to Begin Construction Soon

Odisha Coastal Highway Set to Begin Construction Soon

The long-awaited 413-km Odisha coastal highway, part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana under the Centre’s ‘Purvodaya’ vision, is moving closer to reality. Estimated at ₹23,882 crore, the highway aims to decongest NH-16 and provide an alternative parallel route, boosting connectivity, economy, and tourism in the state.

Originally proposed in 2015 to connect Gopalpur (Ganjam district) with Digha (West Bengal), the project faced delays due to environmental concerns and public opposition. The revised 346-km alignment avoids eco-sensitive areas like Chilika Lake, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhitarkanika National Park, resolving earlier challenges.

Project Highlights:

• Construction Phases: The highway will have two main sections (Rameswar to Ratanpur and Ratanpur to Digha) and an additional 67-km connecting highway from Dhamra to Jamujhadi.
• Four-Lane Road: The 163-km section-1 from Rameswar to Ratanpur, spanning Khurda, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts, will be built in four packages under a hybrid annuity mode at ₹7,040.43 crore.
• Phased Construction:
  • Phase-1 (Rameswar to Puri, 47.3 km): ₹1,875.9 crore.
  • Phase-2 (Puri to Kakatpur, 42 km): ₹1,592.95 crore.
  • Phase-3 (Kakatpur to Ersama, 47.6 km): ₹2,201.17 crore.
  • Phase-4 (Ersama to Ratanpur, 26.2 km): ₹1,370.41 crore.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chief General Manager Veerendra Singh confirmed that tenders for section-1 have been floated, with bids opening on February 28.

Public hearings for environmental clearance in four districts concluded peacefully. The revised alignment, averaging 8-9 km from the coast, has addressed earlier concerns. Land acquisition is underway, with 734.4 hectares required across 183 villages, of which 75% has already been notified.

Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan assured that construction would commence soon, delivering on the BJP government’s promise. The highway is expected to transform coastal districts, boosting tourism, economy, and employment opportunities.