Odisha | The Government of India has announced the construction of the Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway in Odisha, a major infrastructure project expected to transform the state’s coastal connectivity, strengthen religious tourism, and accelerate regional economic development. The 160.18-km corridor, to be developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at an estimated cost of ₹8,300.79 crore, will connect key destinations across Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur districts.
The project will feature a 4-lane access-controlled highway from Rameshwar to Konark and a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep, designed for a speed of 100 km/h. Once operational, the highway is expected to reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, significantly improving passenger travel and freight movement along Odisha’s eastern coastline.
Boost to Spiritual and Cultural Tourism
One of the project’s most significant outcomes will be enhanced access to Odisha’s renowned religious and heritage destinations. The corridor will strengthen connectivity between the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple, and the Ramchandi Temple, making pilgrimage travel safer, faster, and more comfortable for millions of devotees and tourists each year.
The government also highlighted that the proposed airport infrastructure in the region will further improve accessibility for domestic and international visitors, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a leading spiritual tourism destination. Beyond improving transportation, the highway aims to support the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage by connecting historic temples and pilgrimage circuits.
Creating a New Coastal Tourism Circuit
The Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is expected to emerge as a new tourism corridor, linking beaches, heritage monuments, biodiversity hotspots, and coastal communities. Improved connectivity between Puri, Konark, and Paradeep will enable visitors to experience a seamless blend of spirituality, architecture, coastal landscapes, and ecological attractions.
The highway will also improve access to important environmental destinations, including the Gahirmatha turtle nesting sites, encouraging eco-tourism and responsible nature-based travel. According to the government, better infrastructure will support sustainable tourism while promoting awareness of Odisha’s unique coastal biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
Economic Opportunities Along the Coast
Apart from tourism, the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for local communities by encouraging the growth of hotels, homestays, restaurants, handicraft markets, and tourism-related businesses along the corridor.
Developed under the principles of PM GatiShakti, the highway will connect nine economic nodes and five logistics nodes, while improving access to strategic infrastructure such as Paradip Port, Puri Railway Station, the proposed Puri Airport, and other regional economic centres. The enhanced logistics network is expected to improve trade efficiency and strengthen Odisha’s coastal economy.
Infrastructure Driving Regional Development
The Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway represents a significant investment in Odisha’s transport infrastructure, combining faster mobility with tourism development and economic growth. By integrating religious destinations, tourism assets, ecological zones, and logistics infrastructure, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in the state’s long-term development while enhancing the travel experience for residents, pilgrims, and visitors alike.
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