From sprawling six-lane highways to strategic bridges and underpasses, Odisha is on the cusp of a transport revolution
OdishaPlus Bureau
In the heart of eastern India, Odisha is witnessing a monumental transformation in its road infrastructure, driven by the ambitious vision of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and fueling economic growth, Gadkari has spearheaded a series of national highway (NH) projects, reshaping Odisha’s landscape.
From sprawling six-lane highways to strategic bridges and underpasses, the state is on the cusp of a transport revolution, with investments exceeding ₹2 lakh crore and a bold target of ₹3 lakh crore by 2027.
The current status of Odisha’s national highway projects with the transformative initiatives under Gadkari’s leadership seems to be having far-reaching impact on the state’s future.
A New Era
Odisha’s road network has long been a lifeline for its people, connecting vibrant coastal cities like Puri and Bhubaneswar to remote tribal regions and industrial hubs. However, until recently, the state’s highways lagged in terms of modernity and capacity. Since 2014, under the leadership of Gadkari and the Modi government, Odisha’s national highway infrastructure has undergone a dramatic overhaul.
The NH network has expanded from 4,639 km in 2014 to 5,753 km by 2024, with 4,250 km of roads constructed at a cost of ₹33,000 crore over the past decade. Another 1,312 km, valued at ₹22,000 crore, is currently under construction, with completion expected by the end of 2025.
In April 2025, Gadkari inaugurated 19 NH projects worth ₹4,137 crore, spanning 154 km across districts such as Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh. These projects are a testament to the government’s focus on creating world-class infrastructure tailored to Odisha’s diverse needs.
Among the highlights are the four-laning of the Banarpal-Godibandha stretch, the Talcher-Kamakhyanagar corridor (NH-149 and NH-53), and the transformative six-laning of the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway, a ₹1,200 crore project designed to handle traffic demands for the next century. Additionally, four bridges along the Berhampur-Gopalpur and Rourkela-Biramitrapur highways, alongside vehicle underpasses on NH-16 at Balikuda, Sikharpur, and Badachana, are set to enhance safety and connectivity.
Future Plans
The April 2025 announcements are just the tip of the iceberg. Gadkari laid the foundation for 13 additional NH projects worth ₹2,905 crore, covering 105 km, and a critical bridge over Gangua Nallah in Bhubaneswar. These initiatives are part of a broader pipeline that includes ₹60,000 crore worth of ongoing projects, ₹60,000 crore in completed works, and detailed project reports (DPRs) for ₹40,000 crore in new developments.
Gadkari’s ultimate goal is to elevate Odisha’s highways to U.S. standards, with a staggering ₹3 lakh crore in projects planned over the next two years.
Key corridors under development include the Raipur-Visakhapatnam highway, which will slash travel time from Nabarangpur to Visakhapatnam from 8.5 hours to just 4 hours by the end of 2025. The Chandikhol-Paradip corridor, vital for port connectivity, is slated for completion by December 2026.
Additionally, a second Ranchi-Sambalpur corridor, backed by an ₹8,000 crore investment, will bolster regional trade and mobility. The Bhubaneswar Ring Road, a 111 km greenfield project costing ₹6,253 crore, promises to decongest and connect the capital region, benefiting Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khurda.
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has also advocated for further expansion, requesting the four-laning of the proposed coastal highway and an additional ₹1 lakh crore for road development. This coastal highway, envisioned as a scenic and economic corridor, could redefine tourism and trade along Odisha’s 480 km coastline.
Decade of Progress
The seeds of Odisha’s highway transformation were sown in 2015, when Gadkari declared NH status for 2,000 km of state highways, backed by a ₹35,000 crore investment. This included seven new NHs spanning 1,260 km and 12 bypasses under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, targeting key areas like Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, and backward regions with religious significance. These projects laid the groundwork for the state’s current infrastructure boom, addressing long-standing connectivity gaps in rural and tribal areas.
Today, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) manages Odisha’s NH network, leveraging public-private partnerships for maintenance and toll collection. The focus on high-quality construction, coupled with strategic planning, has positioned Odisha as a model for highway development in India.
Gadkari’s emphasis on tourism-centric projects, such as the Bhubaneswar-Puri corridor, aligns with Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage, making it easier for millions of pilgrims and tourists to visit iconic destinations like the Jagannath Temple.
Challenges Ahead
While the progress is undeniable, challenges remain. Timely execution of DPRs and project completion is critical, as past initiatives, such as those announced in 2015, faced delays. Land acquisition and environmental clearances, particularly for large-scale projects like Bharatmala, could pose hurdles, though recent updates suggest smooth progress. Additionally, ensuring the maintenance of newly built highways will be a key to sustaining their long-term impact.
Gadkari’s vision extends beyond mere road construction. By integrating advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and a focus on economic upliftment, Odisha’s highways are poised to become engines of growth. The emphasis on port connectivity, such as the Chandikhol-Paradip corridor, will strengthen Odisha’s role in maritime trade, while projects in backward areas promise to bridge socio-economic disparities.
A Transformative Legacy
As Odisha’s highways evolve into world-class corridors, Nitin Gadkari’s leadership is leaving an indelible mark on the state’s future. The ₹4,137 crore projects inaugurated in April 2025, combined with a ₹3 lakh crore roadmap, reflect a commitment to progress that transcends political boundaries. From the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar to the serene shores of Puri, Odisha’s highways are not just pathways of asphalt—they are lifelines of opportunity, connecting dreams to reality.
As Odisha races toward a future of seamless connectivity, the journey promises to be as remarkable as the destination.
