Odisha’s New Coastal Highway: A Gateway to Spiritual Journeys and Coastal Tourism Revolution

Why in news

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is constructing a new 160.18 km Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway in Odisha to enhance connectivity and boost tourism.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3 · Geography, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. A new Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is being constructed in Odisha.
2. The highway will be 160.18 km long.
3. The total capital cost of the project is ₹8,300.79 crore.
4. The project is being developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
5. The highway will pass through Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur districts.
6. It will connect Rameshwar to Paradeep.
7. The highway will have a 4-lane access-controlled section from Rameshwar to Konark.
8. It will have a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep.
9. The design speed for the highway is 100 km/hour.
10. The project is expected to reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
11. The highway will improve connectivity to spiritual destinations like Jagannath Temple (Puri) and Konark Sun Temple.

Prelims pointers

• The Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is 160.18 km long.
• The highway connects Rameshwar to Paradeep, passing through Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur districts.
• The project is undertaken by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
• The highway will feature a 4-lane access-controlled section and a 2-lane section with paved shoulders.
• Key spiritual sites like Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple will have improved connectivity.

Mains practice question

Examine the potential socio-economic and cultural impacts of the new Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway on Odisha's coastal region, considering its role in tourism, connectivity, and economic development.

Static linkage

The development of coastal highways is part of India's broader strategy to improve infrastructure, boost economic activity, and enhance connectivity, particularly in coastal regions. This aligns with national goals for infrastructure development and tourism promotion.

Significance

The new coastal highway is poised to significantly boost religious and cultural tourism by providing faster access to major spiritual sites in Odisha. It will also enhance passenger and freight movement, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic development in the coastal districts by improving connectivity to economic hubs. The improved infrastructure can also play a role in disaster management and coastal security.