Govt approves Rs 447 crore for upgrading Odisha's national highways.

The Central government has recently announced that it has approved a whopping amount of Rs 447.11 crore for the upgradation of the national highway in the districts of Nuapada and Bolangir in Odisha. This news was shared by Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. The project will focus on the Kurumpuri-Raj Khariar section of the highway, which spans over a length of 103.52 km and includes both NH-353 and NH-59.

In a post shared on X, Nitin Gadkari, who is also the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, expressed his excitement about the project. He mentioned, "NH-353 and NH-59 are crucial interstate corridors that connect the Raipur-Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha, and further extend towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port." He also highlighted the significance of this project in strengthening regional and interstate connectivity, which will ultimately result in smoother and more efficient movement of passengers and goods across Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts of Odisha. Gadkari further explained that the upgradation of this highway will not only focus on improving the overall condition of the road but also on addressing safety concerns.

This will be achieved through rectification of black spots and providing paved shoulders, which will particularly benefit two-wheelers, the majority of which make up the traffic in this region. He also emphasized the positive impact this project will have on the tourism industry, as it will improve access to popular tourist destinations such as Daringbadi in Kandhamal district, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district, and other nearby hill regions, thus boosting tourism and promoting local economic development. Expressing his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitin Gadkari, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi acknowledged the significance of this investment in enhancing connectivity across key districts of Odisha.

He mentioned, "This transformative project will not only improve road safety but also ensure smoother movement of passengers and goods, and unlock the tourism potential of popular destinations like Daringbadi and Sunabeda. This will accelerate regional development and bring lasting prosperity to the people of Odisha." Majhi shared his thoughts on X, the leading English daily of Odisha. In conclusion, this development has been welcomed by the people of Odisha, as it will not only improve the condition of the national highway but also have a significant impact on the overall growth and development of the state.

This project will not only enhance connectivity but also promote tourism and boost the local economy, bringing long-lasting benefits to the people of Odisha.