Gadkari announces Rs 447 crore boost for NH-353 and NH-59 upgrade in Odisha

The Centre has approved Rs 447.11 crore for the upgradation of a national highway stretch in Odisha, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday.

The project covers the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, spanning 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59, and includes key segments in Nuapada and Balangir districts.

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, in a post on X, said, “NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor connecting the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha, extending further towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port.”

He said the upgraded corridor is part of a crucial inter-state route linking the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha and extending further to southern coastal hubs such as Berhampur and Gopalpur Port.

Gadkari said the project is expected to significantly enhance the movement of both passenger and freight traffic across western and southern Odisha.

He said the improved highway network will benefit multiple districts, including Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Ganjam, by reducing travel time and improving logistical efficiency.

The corridor serves as a lifeline for trade and daily commuting in the region, making its upgradation a key infrastructure priority, he said.

According to Gadkari, the project has been approved under the National Highways Interconnectivity Improvement Projects (NHIIP) framework.

He said the project will focus on addressing critical safety concerns by rectifying accident-prone black spots and providing paved shoulders along the route. These measures are particularly significant for two-wheeler users, who constitute a large share of road traffic in the region.

Gadkari said the project will also boost tourism by improving access to destinations such as Daringibadi and the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary.