Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on X that the Centre has approved Rs 447.11 crore for the upgradation of the 103.52 km Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section along NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts.
This vital interstate corridor connects Chhattisgarh’s Raipur–Mahasamund region with Odisha, extending towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port. The project aims to ensure smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic across Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts.
Key features include rectification of accident-prone black spots and addition of paved shoulders to significantly improve road safety, especially for two-wheelers that form a major share of traffic in the region.
The upgrade is also expected to boost tourism by enhancing access to popular destinations like Daringbadi hill station and Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, thereby promoting local economic growth and development.
