The Centre has approved Rs 447.11 crore for the major upgradation of National Highway sections spanning Odisha’s Nuapada and Bolangir districts, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Saturday.
The project focuses on the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, covering a total length of 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59.
In a post on X, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, said, “In Odisha, we have approved ₹447.11 crore for the upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, covering a total length of 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts.”
NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor connecting the Raipur–Mahasamund region of Chhattisgarh with Odisha, extending further towards Berhampur and Gopalpur Port, the Union Minister stated.
Gadkari said this project will significantly strengthen regional and interstate connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Ganjam districts of Odisha.
‘The corridor improvement—through rectification of black spots and provision of paved shoulders—will enhance road safety, particularly for two-wheelers, which constitute a major share of traffic in the region,’ Gadkari said, adding that it will also improve access to key tourist destinations such as Daringbadi, the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, and nearby hill regions, thereby boosting tourism and local economic development.
📢 Odisha 🛣️
In Odisha, we have approved ₹447.11 crore for the upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section, covering a total length of 103.52 km across NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts.
NH-353 and NH-59 together form a vital interstate corridor…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 4, 2026
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Gadkari, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the investment reinforces a vital interstate corridor, enhancing connectivity across key districts of Odisha.
“This transformative project will significantly improve road safety, enable smoother movement of passengers and freight, and unlock tourism potential at celebrated destinations such as Daringbadi and Sunabeda, accelerating regional development and bringing lasting prosperity to the people of Odisha,” Majhi said in a post on X.
On behalf of the people of Odisha, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji for sanctioning ₹447.11 crore for the upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar section on NH-353 and NH-59.
This…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) April 4, 2026
