Odisha coastal highway to get on road soon

The Odisha Coastal Highway project, a significant infrastructure initiative under the ଭାରତମାଳା ପରିଯୋଜନା and the Centre's 'ପୂର୍ବୋଦୟ' vision, is progressing towards commencement. The project aims to enhance connectivity along Odisha's coastline, promoting economic development and improving transportation infrastructure in the region. Project Overview: Total Length: 413 kilometers Estimated Cost: ₹23,882 crore Alignment: The highway is divided into two main sections: - Section 1: Rameswar (near Tangi) to Ratanpur (176 km) - Section 2: Ratanpur to Digha (170 km) Additionally, a 67-km stretch will connect the coastal highway at Dhamra with NH-16 at Jamujhadi. Current Status: Tendering Process: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has floated tenders for the 163-km section from Rameswar to Ratanpur, estimated at ₹7,040.43 crore, divided into four packages: - Phase 1: Rameswar to Puri (47.3 km) at ₹1,875.9 crore - Phase 2: Puri to Kakatpur (42 km) at ₹1,592.95 crore - Phase 3: Kakatpur to Ersama (47.6 km) at ₹2,201.17 crore - Phase 4: Ersama to Ratanpur (26.2 km) at ₹1,370.41 crore Challenges: - Land Acquisition: The project requires the acquisition of approximately 400 hectares of non-forest land. The NHAI has requested the state government's assistance in this matter. - Environmental Concerns: The initial alignment was revised to avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as Chilika Lake, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhitarkanika National Park. Despite these adjustments, environmentalists have raised concerns about potential impacts on the region's fragile ecosystems. - Public Opposition: Some local communities and farmers have expressed apprehensions regarding the proposed alignment, fearing adverse effects on their livelihoods and the environment. They have called for the highway to be constructed on government land or along existing routes to minimize displacement and ecological disruption. Government Response: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has indicated that the construction process for the coastal highway has been accelerated, emphasizing its potential to drive socio-economic development in eastern India. The Odisha Coastal Highway project represents a significant step towards improving regional connectivity and economic growth. However, it must carefully balance developmental objectives with environmental preservation and address the concerns of affected communities to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress. Sources: https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/odisha/2025/Jan/13/odisha-coastal-highway-to-get-on-road-soon