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The much-awaited Odisha Coastal Highway Project is finally ready to begin after nearly a decade of planning, opposition, and revisions. Initially proposed in 2015 under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, this 413-kilometre-long highway is expected to boost infrastructure, improve connectivity, and open up new opportunities for Odisha, a state located on India’s eastern coast.

The highway will pass through several important districts and connect coastal cities, improving transportation and giving a significant push to tourism, trade, and the local economy.

Why This Project Is Important

Odisha has always been rich in natural beauty, temples, ports, and heritage. Despite this, the state has struggled with poor road connectivity along its coast. This has slowed down its tourism growth, industrial development, and movement of goods. The Odisha Coastal Highway is expected to fill this gap by creating a smooth transport network.

By connecting coastal towns and ports, this highway will:

• Improve access to key tourist spots like Puri, Konark, and Paradip

• Make it easier for farmers and fishermen to transport their goods quickly

• Lower transportation costs for businesses

• Help in the creation of industrial zones and coastal economic corridors

• Connect with major ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur

Project and Route Details - Odisha Coastal Highway

The highway is divided into several phases and sections, with tenders already invited for some parts. The first phase of construction is from Rameshwar to Puri, and it is expected to be completed by 2025.

A total of 183 villages have been identified for land acquisition, and around 734.4 hectares of land will be acquired in the first phase. This includes public, private, and forest lands.

Below is a summary of the project’s different sections along with distance and estimated costs:

Phase-wise Construction Details - Odisha Coastal Highway Project

The project is being planned and executed in four key phases:

1. Phase 1: Rameshwar to Ratanpur

2. Phase 2: Puri to Kakatpur

3. Phase 3: Kakatpur to Erasama

4. Phase 4: Erasama to Ratanpur

Additionally, there are plans to connect the highway to Digha in West Bengal through Ratanpur, and a separate 67 km stretch will link Dhamra Port to NH-16.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

Even though the plan was announced in 2015, several roadblocks delayed the implementation. These included:

1. Environmental Concerns

Initially, the highway route passed through Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park, which led to major protests from environmentalists and locals. Concerns were raised about damage to natural habitats, coastal biodiversity, and disruption of wildlife corridors.

To resolve this, the route was revised. A new alignment now avoids sensitive eco-zones and stays at an average of 8 to 9 km away from the coastline.

2. Land Acquisition Issues

Many farmers were hesitant to give away their land. The earlier alignment (15–25 km from the coast) led to public opposition, especially in Jagatsinghpur district. Some land records were also missing, further complicating the process.

To tackle this, the government conducted public hearings across the four districts, and a new land acquisition notification has been issued.

Government Action and Current Status

Here’s what has happened recently in the project:

• Environmental Clearance: After route changes and detailed studies, the Ministry of Environment gave its nod, with certain guidelines to follow.

• Funding Released: The Government of Odisha, in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport, has released the necessary funds.

• Tenders Invited: Bidding has begun for the first section (Rameshwar to Puri), and construction is expected to start soon.

Major Benefits of the Odisha Coastal Highway

1. Tourism Boost

The highway is designed to connect heritage and beach destinations like Puri, Konark, and Paradip, making it easier for tourists to explore the region. This will increase local income through hotel bookings, travel agencies, food services, and handicrafts.

2. Job Creation

Construction of the highway will generate thousands of jobs in the short term. In the long run, improved connectivity will encourage industries, thereby creating permanent employment opportunities.

3. Economic Growth

Faster movement of goods to and from ports will reduce costs for traders and increase profits for farmers and fishermen. Access to markets and storage facilities will improve significantly.

4. Environmentally Friendly Design

The highway will be built with eco-friendly culverts and bridges. Special care is being taken to avoid harming sensitive zones and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion - Odisha Coastal Highway Project

The Odisha Coastal Highway Project is finally picking up momentum. With the government addressing earlier issues, acquiring land, and receiving environmental approvals, the first phase is likely to be completed by 2025.

Once completed, the project will transform Odisha’s connectivity, trade, tourism, and job market. It promises a new chapter for the coastal regions of the state and will also contribute significantly to India's overall economic development.