Bhubaneswar, April 4: Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved Rs 447.11 crore for the upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, covering a total length of 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts.

Taking to the ‘X’, Gadkari said that the NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor connecting the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha, extending further towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port.

“In Odisha, we have approved Rs 447.11 crore for the upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, covering a total length of 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts,” wrote Gadkari.

“NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor connecting the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha, extending further towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port. This project will significantly strengthen regional and interstate connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts,” wrote the Union Minister.

Maintaining that the corridor improvement - through rectification of black spots and provision of paved shoulders - will enhance road safety, particularly for two-wheelers, which constitute a major share of traffic in the region, Gadkari wrote, “It will also improve access to key tourist destinations such as Daringbadi, the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, and nearby hill regions, thereby boosting tourism and local economic development.”