Bhubaneswar, December 7: The 6-lane Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor (RVEC), costing Rs 16,482 crore, is set to enhance connectivity and economic growth in Odisha's remote districts. Slated for completion by December 2026, the corridor will cut the travel distance between Raipur and Visakhapatnam from 597 km to 465 km, reducing travel time from 12 hours to 5 hours.

Passing through tribal and underdeveloped districts like Borigumma, Nabarangpur, and Koraput, the project will improve access to markets, ports, and industrial hubs, fostering local industry growth and creating job opportunities in logistics, trade, and real estate.

Farmers in the region have already seen significant changes, with land prices increasing drastically. One farmer noted, "Land that was worth Rs 15 lakh per acre is now valued at Rs 1.5 crore."

The corridor will also improve mobility for tribal communities, enhance road safety, and reduce congestion on the old NH-26. Designed for speeds of 100 km/hr, the highway will provide greater efficiency and comfort for passengers and freight operators.

The project supports the PM Gati Shakti initiative, integrating remote regions into the broader economy, promoting tourism, and driving sustainable growth across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.