THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, JULY 19, 2026
Odisha is poised for
a major infrastructure-led economic transformation with the Centre approving
the construction of the 160.18-km Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway, a
strategic corridor expected to accelerate tourism, improve logistics and unlock
new business opportunities across the state’s coastline. The Ministry of Road
Transport & Highways (MoRTH) will develop the project at a capital cost of ₹8,300.79 crore, connecting Khurda,
Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts through a modern transport network
that links key religious, tourism and economic destinations.
The project will
feature a four-lane access-controlled highway from Rameshwar to Konark and a
two-lane highway with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep, designed for
speeds of up to 100 km per hour. Once operational, the corridor is expected to
reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by nearly two hours and 30
minutes, significantly enhancing passenger mobility while strengthening freight
transportation.
The highway is
expected to emerge as a major driver of Odisha’s spiritual tourism economy by
providing seamless connectivity to the internationally renowned Jagannath
Temple in Puri, the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple and the revered Ramchandi
Temple. Improved accessibility is expected to enhance the pilgrimage experience
for millions of devotees every year, while the region’s upcoming airport
infrastructure is set to further strengthen Odisha’s appeal as a leading
spiritual tourism destination for domestic and international visitors.
Beyond facilitating
travel, the project is positioned as a key initiative to support the preservation
and promotion of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage by making its historic
temples, traditions and spiritual centres more accessible through world-class
infrastructure.
The
Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is also expected to redefine Odisha’s tourism
landscape by creating an integrated coastal circuit connecting Puri, Konark and
Paradeep. The enhanced road network will provide easier access to beaches,
heritage monuments, biodiversity hotspots and local communities, offering
visitors a comprehensive coastal experience that combines spirituality,
history, nature and recreation.
The improved
connectivity is likely to spur growth in beach tourism, eco-tourism and
nature-based travel while increasing access to ecologically significant
destinations, including wildlife habitats and the internationally recognised
Gahirmatha turtle nesting sites. The project is also expected to promote
sustainable tourism by encouraging greater awareness of Odisha’s unique coastal
biodiversity and conservation efforts.
From a business perspective, the highway is expected to generate substantial economic opportunities for local communities by encouraging investments in hotels, homestays, restaurants, handicraft markets and tourism-related enterprises along the corridor. The improved infrastructure is likely to stimulate entrepreneurship, create employment and strengthen the hospitality and services sectors across the coastal region.
Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the corridor will connect nine economic nodes and five logistics nodes, reinforcing Odisha’s industrial and logistics ecosystem. It will also improve connectivity to key economic assets, including Paradip Port, Puri Railway Station, the upcoming Puri Airport and other regional commercial centres, positioning the state for stronger trade, tourism and long-term economic growth.
