Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to road infrastructure in western Odisha, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 447.11 crore for upgrading the 103.52-km Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar stretch spanning National Highways 353 and 59.
The project, covering parts of Nuapada and Balangir districts, aims to enhance interstate connectivity, improve road safety, and stimulate economic and tourism growth in the region.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi welcomed the development, extending gratitude on behalf of the people of the state to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. “This investment strengthens a vital interstate corridor, enhancing connectivity across key districts of Odisha. This transformative project will significantly improve road safety, enable smoother movement of passengers and freight, and unlock tourism potential at celebrated destinations such as Daringbadi and Sunabeda, accelerating regional development and bringing lasting prosperity to the people of Odisha,” he added.
Gadkari announced the approval on X, highlighting that NH-353 and NH-59 form a crucial inter-state corridor linking the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha and extending further to Berhampur and Gopalpur Port. The upgrade is expected to strengthen regional and inter-state connectivity across Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts, facilitating smoother and more efficient movement of passenger and freight traffic.
📢 Odisha 🛣️
In Odisha, we have approved ₹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.
NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 4, 2026
Key features of the project include rectification of black spots and provision of paved shoulders, with a special focus on enhancing safety for two-wheelers, which constitute a major share of traffic in the area. Improved access to prominent tourist spots such as Daringbad, often called the “Kashmir of Odisha” for its hill station-like climate, coffee plantations, and scenic valleys at over 3,000 feet, and the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary along with nearby hill regions is anticipated to boost tourism and local economies.
The project is expected to reduce travel time, minimise accidents, and support freight movement, contributing to the overall development of western Odisha’s tribal and rural areas. Official sources indicate that the corridor’s enhancement will have a multiplier effect on local businesses, agriculture, and eco-tourism.
This announcement is part of a broader package of highway projects worth over ₹3,200 crore announced by Minister Gadkari across multiple states, underscoring the Centre’s push for infrastructure development under initiatives like Gati Shakti.
