The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received 17 bids for the construction of the 160-km Rameshwar-Paradeep Coastal Highway in Odisha, indicating strong interest from bidders in the ₹8,300.79-crore project.
The proposed access-controlled greenfield highway has been divided into two packages. The 79.4-km Rameshwar-Konark section, designated as Package-I, will be developed as a four-lane access-controlled highway and received 10 bids. Package-II, covering 80.7 km between Konark and Paradeep, received seven bids and will be constructed as a two-lane road with paved shoulders.
The project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project in June 2026 at a combined capital cost of ₹8,300.79 crore.
Designed for a speed of up to 100 kmph, the coastal highway is expected to reduce travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep by around two-and-a-half hours. It will provide an alternative route to the existing NH-16 and NH-316 and improve connectivity to important destinations along Odisha’s coast, including Puri, Konark and Paradeep Port. The corridor will also provide connectivity to the upcoming Puri International Airport.
The new road is expected to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs while cutting carbon emissions and logistics expenses. The improved connectivity is also expected to support economic activity along the coastal belt of Odisha.
The project is expected to generate substantial employment during construction. According to the project details, construction activity has the potential to create around 53.6 lakh direct man-days and 67 lakh indirect man-days of employment.
The bidding process attracting participation from multiple companies across both packages, the latest response clears an important stage for the development of the coastal corridor. Once completed, the Rameshwar-Paradeep highway is expected to provide a faster road connection along this part of Odisha and strengthen access to the state’s major tourism, commercial and port destinations.