Odisha’s Highway to the Future: The NH-326 Expansion Project

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 (NH-326) in Odisha, spanning km 68.600 to km 311.700.

Implemented under the National Highways (Original) programme on EPC mode, the project will upgrade the existing two-lane highway to a two-lane road with paved shoulders at a total cost of ₹1,526.21 crore, including ₹966.79 crore for civil construction. Each package is expected to be completed within 24 months from the appointed date, followed by a five-year defect liability and maintenance period. The upgrade aims to address sub-standard geometry, steep gradients, narrow carriageways, and accident-prone black spots, enhancing road safety and travel efficiency.

The improved highway will facilitate safer and more efficient movement of goods and passengers, benefiting industries, institutions, and tourism in southern Odisha. It will strengthen freight connectivity to coastal ports, link NH-26, NH-59, NH-16, and the Raipur–Visakhapatnam corridor, and provide better last-mile access to Gopalpur Port, Jeypore Airport, and nearby railway stations.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.