New Delhi: The upcoming 6-lane greenfield Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor (RVEC) is set to significantly improve connectivity, trade, and economic development in Odisha’s remote districts. Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways at a total cost of Rs 16,482 crore, the corridor is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Stretching across the forests of Chhattisgarh, the mineral-rich landscapes of Odisha, and the hills of Andhra Pradesh, the corridor will reduce the distance between Raipur and Visakhapatnam from 597 km on the existing NH-26 to 465 km. Travel time will drop from 12 hours to just 5 hours, generating substantial fuel savings and lowering transportation costs for both public and freight operators.
In Odisha, the corridor passes through tribal and underdeveloped districts including Borigumma, Nabarangpur, and Koraput, bringing them closer to markets, ports, and industrial hubs. Improved access is expected to spur local industries, facilitate exports through Visakhapatnam Port, and create jobs across sectors such as logistics, trade, and real estate.
Farmers are already witnessing a clear shift in their economic outlook. One farmer explained how land prices have surged since the greenfield highway project began: “Our land was valued at around Rs 15 lakh per acre earlier. Now it is close to Rs 1.5 crore. Farmers here are genuinely happy,” he said, highlighting how connectivity-led development is reshaping rural prospects.
Vishal, a lorry owner who regularly transports goods from Raipur to Visakhapatnam, said the new corridor will drastically change the way transporters operate: “Earlier, the journey took one and a half days. Now, I can start during the day and reach the destination by night.” He added that the reduction in distance will directly translate into lower diesel consumption and less wear and tear on trucks, bringing tangible financial relief to operators like him.
Beyond economic gains, the corridor is expected to enhance mobility for tribal communities, improve road safety, and ease congestion on the old 2-lane NH-26. Designed for speeds of 100 km/hr, the highway promises greater predictability, reliability, and comfort for both passengers and freight operators.
A resident of Vizianagaram said, “We are farmers. At first, we felt sad to give our land for the greenfield highway. It was not easy. But now, as the corridor is nearing completion, we feel hopeful. Our land value has more than doubled, and we know this development will bring more opportunities for our families. What we lost is now turning into a better future.”
Srinivasulu, another farmer from Jami village in Vizianagaram district, added, “The value of the remaining land has significantly increased. Villagers and farmers here are feeling happy about this upcoming greenfield highway.”
The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti vision, aiming to integrate remote regions into the mainstream economy, stimulate tourism, and create sustainable growth opportunities across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
(IANS)
