Bhubaneswar, May 12 (BNP): Odisha is set to witness a major transformation in its road infrastructure with National Highway-53 between Chandikhole and Paradip Port being upgraded into the state’s first 8-lane highway corridor. The ambitious expansion project, estimated to cost around ₹3,500 crore, is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity, industrial transportation, and cargo movement to Paradip Port.
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The highway upgrade is being viewed as a landmark infrastructure initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and supporting Odisha’s rapidly growing industrial and logistics sectors. Once completed, the widened corridor will ease congestion on the busy route and reduce travel time for commercial and passenger vehicles.
Officials said the project will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity between industrial zones, mining belts, and the strategically important Paradip Port, one of India’s major maritime gateways. The improved road network is also expected to facilitate faster transportation of goods, boost export-import activities, and support economic growth in the coastal region.
The expansion of NH-53 comes amid Odisha’s broader efforts to strengthen its road infrastructure network across the state. Authorities believe the 8-lane corridor will not only improve freight movement but also enhance road safety and travel convenience for thousands of commuters using the route daily.
The project is expected to generate employment opportunities during the construction phase while also attracting fresh investments in logistics, warehousing, transport, and industrial sectors along the corridor.
With infrastructure development gaining momentum, the Chandikhole–Paradip stretch is likely to emerge as one of Odisha’s most important economic and transportation corridors in the coming years.