The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the expansion and reinforcement of National Highway-326 (NH-326) in Odisha, which spans from km 68.600 to km 311.700.
This initiative, carried out under the National Highways (Original) program using the EPC model, will transform the current two-lane highway into a two-lane road with paved shoulders, at a total expenditure of Rs 1,526.21 crore, which includes Rs. 966.79 crore allocated for civil construction.
The project is anticipated to be finalized within 24 months from the designated start date for each segment, followed by a five-year period for defect liability and maintenance. The enhancement aims to rectify substandard geometry, steep inclines, limited carriageway width, and accident-prone areas, thereby improving road safety and travel efficiency.
This project will facilitate safer and more efficient transportation of goods and passengers, providing advantages to industries, institutions, and tourism in southern Odisha. It will improve freight transport to coastal ports, bolster connectivity with NH-26, NH-59, NH-16, the Raipur–Visakhapatnam corridor, and ensure last-mile access to Gopalpur port, Jeypore airport, and adjacent railway stations.
