TV
The long-awaited dream of a Coastal Highway stretching from Ganjam in Odisha to Digha in West Bengal is all set to commence soon, with construction scheduled to start following the finalisation of the tender process. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to release tenders for the first section, covering 163 kilometres from Rameswar in Khurda to Ratanpur in Jagatsinghpur.
Despite the ambitious plan, environmental issues at certain locations have raised public concerns. Various stakeholders are calling for dialogue to address these challenges. Delays had been experienced due to controversies, but a revised approach is now paving the way for progress.
Works Department Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has confirmed that the NHAI will proceed with the tender process for the highway that will affect six major districts, under the overarching framework of the Bharatmala project, aimed at enhancing transportation and boosting tourism in these coastal areas.
“People were in doubt whether the Coastal Highway project in Odisha will be undertaken or not. However, the double-engine government has decided to commence the project soon. Following the approval the tender process will start soon,” said Harichandan.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the Coastal Highway project and it should be completed soon,” said Anshuman Rout, a resident of Jaleswar.
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The entire Coastal Highway will span 440 kilometres, passing through key districts like Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore. Previous tenders were rescinded after community objections to the highway’s original path, which was planned 25 km away from the sea in Jagatsinghpur.
The new proposed route connects Bada Pokharia to Puri, via Bangurigaon, Astaranga, to Ersama, and Mashakani. The tender is valued at Rs 7,038 crore. In Mahakalapada, public consultations continue as some local residents and farmers have voiced their concerns.
“If the project is going through our villages, the villagers should be provided proper compensation for it,” said Bijay Kumar Nath, a farmer from Mahakalpada.
“Environmental issues will be addressed and demands and allegations in this regard will be taken care of,” said Kendrapara district Assistant Collector Nilu Mohapatra.
Meanwhile, road safety experts advised that any expedited completion must include community consultation to ensure that the highway truly benefits the coastal areas.
“The project will help in the road communication and commercial activities in a great deal. However, there should be proper consultation with the community and research before the construction work,” said road safety expert Subrat Nanda.
In response, Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi remarked that the Central Government has made the necessary policy adjustments to accelerate the project.
“The government has made the necessary policy adjustment and the project work will commence soon,” said Sarangi.
