Odisha coastal highway project: Politics heats up over alleged tender cancellation

The ambitious state coastal highway project is in limbo, according to allegations levied by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The party, in a press meet on Tuesday, alleged that the centre has abruptly backtracked from the project and has cancelled tenders for the project. 

Senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma alleged that the tender for the first phase of the Coastal Highway, spanning 176 kilometres, has been indefinitely scrapped. “I have come to know from various sources in NHAI that there is an indefinite stay on the project,” he stated.

BJD Alleges Change in Project Scope

Das Burma also claimed that the Union Government is now planning to downgrade the project from a four-lane to a two-lane highway, significantly reducing its capacity and potential impact. 

“This decision raises serious questions about the Centre’s commitment to Odisha’s development,” he said.

He further expressed concern that such changes could compromise the long-term utility and strategic importance of the Coastal Highway, which is meant to bolster connectivity and disaster response capacity in the coastal belt.

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BJP Denies Cancellation, Terms Allegation 'Baseless'

In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed BJD’s claims, accusing the Opposition party of misleading the public for electoral gains.

BJP legislator Manoranjan Dyan Samantaray stated, “The tender has not been cancelled. The BJD is spreading falsehoods. There have merely been some technical or departmental changes, not a cancellation.”

With conflicting statements from both major political parties, the fate of the ambitious coastal highway project remains uncertain. The issue has sparked public concern, especially in vulnerable coastal districts that stand to benefit most from enhanced infrastructure.