Odisha 346-km coastal highway Package 3 gets environmental clearance

The 346-km coastal highway project, divided into two parts - 176-km Rameshwar (near Tangi) to Ratanpur and 170-km Ratanpur to Digha, was proposed to be constructed in several packages. Package 3 from Kakatpur to Erasama, facing stiff opposition from the locals due to the revised alignment, has received the recommendation for environmental clearance. This paves the way for the revival of the project. The NHAI had invited bids for the construction of the four-lane coastal road between Rameshwar and Ratanpur in three packages after its alignment was changed for the third time, the tenders were cancelled abruptly before the end of the deadline on August 10. Initially, the Rs 8,000 crore highway was proposed to be constructed from Gopalpur to Digha through ecologically sensitive Chilika, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and some of the important Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites. Its length was reduced from 451 km to 346 km (Rameshwar to Digha) as per the revised alignment, skipping the eco-sensitive areas.