Bhubaneswar: The construction of the new Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is set to transform the coastline of Odisha by redefining connectivity across the state’s coastal belt. Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways with a total capital cost of ₹8,300.79 crore, this 160.18 km corridor will pass through the Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur districts.
By creating a seamless connection between important cultural, religious, tourism, and economic destinations, the infrastructure will provide faster, safer, and smoother travel. It includes a four-lane access-controlled highway from Rameshwar to Konark and a two-lane highway with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep, featuring a design speed of 100 km/hour. Once completed, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by nearly two hours and 30 minutes, significantly improving passenger movement and freight connectivity throughout the region.
This coastal highway will become a major catalyst for religious and cultural tourism by creating faster access to some of the most iconic spiritual destinations in Odisha. The corridor will strengthen connectivity between the world-renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri, the historic Konark Sun Temple, and the revered Ramchandi Temple, making pilgrimage journeys much more convenient for the millions of devotees visiting the state every year.
The improved road infrastructure will not only reduce travel time but also enhance the overall pilgrimage experience by providing safer and more comfortable movement. The upcoming airport infrastructure in the region will further strengthen the position of Odisha as a major spiritual tourism destination, enabling easier access for visitors from across India and the world. Beyond transportation, the highway represents how modern infrastructure can support the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Odisha by connecting people with historic temples, traditions, and spiritual centres.
The Rameshwar–Paradeep corridor is set to become a new coastal tourism gateway for Odisha, linking beaches, heritage sites, biodiversity hotspots, and local communities along the eastern coastline. With improved connectivity between Puri, Konark, and Paradeep, these destinations will emerge as part of a unified tourism circuit offering travellers a complete coastal experience, ranging from spiritual heritage and ancient architecture to beaches and natural ecosystems.
The highway will open new opportunities for beach tourism, eco-tourism, and nature-based travel, while providing easier access to important ecological destinations, including wildlife areas and the famous Gahirmatha turtle nesting sites. Better connectivity will also encourage sustainable tourism practices by increasing awareness about the unique coastal biodiversity and conservation efforts of Odisha. Visitors will have greater access to natural landscapes while supporting responsible tourism models that protect fragile ecosystems.
The new highway will create significant opportunities for local communities within Odisha by encouraging the growth of hotels, homestays, restaurants, handicraft markets, and tourism-based businesses along the corridor. Aligned with the principles of PM GatiShakti, the project will connect nine economic nodes and five logistics nodes, further strengthening the economic network of the state. It will also improve access to important hubs such as Paradeep Port, Puri Railway Station, Puri Airport, and other regional economic centres, driving comprehensive coastal development.