Odisha’s New Economic Corridor: The NH-55 Expansion Project

The Odisha government has announced plans to conduct a survey for the six-laning of National Highway-55, a key arterial route connecting western Odisha with the coastal region.

The initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen road infrastructure and improve regional connectivity. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, who underscored the need to expedite pre-construction activities and obtain all required clearances for proposed projects. The six-laning of NH-55, which links Cuttack and Sambalpur, is expected to significantly enhance the movement of goods and passengers, particularly benefiting the industrial and mining sectors in western Odisha, while also improving access to coastal ports and urban centres.

Emphasising balanced regional development, Minister Harichandan said that the state’s overall progress cannot be achieved by focusing solely on major cities and that strengthening road connectivity across regions is essential to realising the vision of a developed Odisha by 2036. The meeting also reviewed several urban and inter-city road initiatives, including proposals for an outer ring road in Cuttack and upgrades to key state highways.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.