Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the widening and strengthening of the existing 2-lane to 2-lane with paved shoulder in Odisha — from “km 68.600 to km 311.700 of NH-326” — on an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) mode with Rs 1,526.21 crore outlay. The project lies in southern Odisha covering Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput districts and will significantly improve intra-state and inter-state connectivity by making vehicle movement faster and safer, stimulating industrial and tourism growth and improving access to services in aspirational and tribal areas.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet authorized the expansion and reinforcement of the current 2-lane to 2-lane with paved shoulder in Odisha, from “km 68.600 to km 311.700 of NH-326,” using an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) approach at an expenditure of Rs 1,526.21 crore. The project, which spans the districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput in southern Odisha, will greatly enhance both intra-state and inter-state connectivity by facilitating faster and safer vehicle movement, promoting the growth of industry and tourism, and enhancing access to services in tribal and aspirational areas.
The Mohana–Koraput segment of the National Highway (NH-326) currently has subpar geometry (intermediate lane/2-lane, numerous poor curves, and steep gradients); the current carriageway width, road alignment, and geometric flaws limit the safe, effective movement of heavy vehicles and lower freight throughput to coastal ports and industrial centers. According to an official statement, these limitations will be eliminated by upgrading the corridor to two lanes with paved shoulders, removing black spots, strengthening the pavement, and making geometric corrections (curve realignments and gradient improvements). This will allow for the safe and continuous movement of passengers and goods while lowering vehicle operating costs.
