​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, July 19: Odisha is poised for a major infrastructure transformation with the Centre approving the construction of the160.18-km Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway, an ambitiousRs 8,300.79-croreproject aimed at improving connectivity, promoting tourism and driving economic growth along the state's coastline.

The project, to be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), will traverse Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts, linking key religious centres, tourist attractions and major economic hubs across coastal Odisha.

The highway will comprise a four-lane access-controlled stretch from Rameshwar to Konark and a two-lane road with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep. Designed for speeds of up to100 kmph, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by nearlytwo-and-a-half hours, ensuring faster movement of both passengers and goods.

The new corridor is expected to significantly enhancereligious tourismby providing seamless access to iconic pilgrimage destinations, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Konark Sun Temple, and Ramchandi Temple. Improved road infrastructure is likely to make travel safer and more convenient for millions of devotees and visitors every year.

MoRTH said the highway, together with the proposed airport infrastructure in the region, will strengthen Odisha's position as a leading spiritual tourism destination by improving accessibility for domestic as well as international tourists.

Beyond pilgrimage, the project is expected to emerge as a major coastal tourism corridor, connecting popular destinations such as Puri, Konark and Paradeep while promoting beach tourism, eco-tourism and nature-based travel. The improved connectivity will also facilitate easier access to ecologically significant locations, including the Gahirmatha turtle nesting grounds and other coastal biodiversity hotspots.

The ministry noted that the project has been planned with a focus on sustainable tourism, balancing enhanced visitor access with environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices.

The highway is also expected to generate substantial economic opportunities for local communities by encouraging investments in hotels, homestays, restaurants, handicraft centres and other tourism-related enterprises along the route.

Being developed under the PM GatiShakti initiative, the coastal highway will connect nine economic nodesandfive logistics nodes, significantly strengthening Odisha's transport network. It will improve connectivity to strategic infrastructure such asParadip Port,Puri Railway Station, theproposed Puri Airport, and other regional economic centres, providing a major boost to trade, tourism and overall coastal development.