Coastal Connectivity Boost: Odisha Highway's ₹8,300 Cr. Milestone

The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) of the Ministry of Finance has approved a key segment of the Odisha Coastal Highway, spanning Rameshwar to Digha, at an estimated cost of ₹8,300.79 crore.

This 160.18 km stretch is part of a larger 346 km greenfield project and will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in two phases: a four-lane section from Rameshwar to Kakatpur and a two-lane section with paved shoulders from Kakatpur to Paradip. While the project had faced delays due to revised traffic volume projections, land acquisition is progressing steadily, with 70% of land acquired for Package-I and 30% for Package-II. Environmental and CRZ clearances have already been secured, and an online application has been filed for Stage-I forest clearance.

The highway will feature significant infrastructure, including 36 major bridges (notably a 3.3 km bridge over the Mahanadi River), 89 minor bridges, 376 culverts, three flyovers, six viaducts, three rail overbridges (ROBs), and 45 vehicle underpasses, enhancing connectivity and regional development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.