NHAI speeds up 451-km coastal road project

The preliminary survey with draft alignment for the 451-km coastal highway project has been completed and on the basis of the survey, a feasibility report has also been prepared to kick start the highway project starting from Gopalpur in Odisha to Digha in West Bengal. The project will be given a final shape after finalization of the alignment as a high-level meeting of empowered officials was recently held, the chairman, and Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad, said adding that the meet discussed alignment of roads on Puri- Konark marine drive, near the proposed port at Astaranga, Jambu forest area, Bhitarkanika reserve forest, Satapada and bridge over the Chilika lake. Shortly after that suggestions were given to National Highway Authority (NHAI) for consideration. Member, NHAI Anand Kumar Singh said that coastal highway is an ambitious program of the Centre and will be developed as an economic and tourism corridor on priority basis.

corridor. The project will be completed within two and a half years. ―NHAI has prepared a draft project report for the project in which Odisha Government is a major stakeholder. NHAI will make all efforts to finalize the alignment of the project as per suggestions of the State for fast tracking the construction work on the project connecting places like Ratanpur, Satapada, Konark, Astranga, Chilika, Satabhaya, Dhamara, Basudevpur, Talapada, Chandipur, Chandaneswar and Digha.