- Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway promises a new era of pilgrimage, heritage tourism, eco-travel and economic prosperity along Odisha’s spectacular coastline
- High-speed corridor to seamlessly connect Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Ramchandi Temple, pristine beaches, biodiversity hotspots and Paradeep Port
- Travel time to shrink by nearly 2½ hours as world-class infrastructure transforms Odisha into one of India’s most accessible coastal tourism destinations
- Project to unlock new opportunities for hotels, homestays, handicrafts, local entrepreneurs and sustainable tourism under the PM GatiShakti vision
- Modern infrastructure blends seamlessly with timeless heritage, creating an unforgettable journey through Odisha’s spirituality, culture and natural splendour
NE TOURISM & HOSPITALITY BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 19
What if a single highway could take travellers from the divine chants of the Jagannath Temple to the architectural magnificence of the Konark Sun Temple, from serene beaches and mangrove forests to one of India’s busiest ports—all in one unforgettable journey?
That vision is now becoming reality.
In a transformative step poised to redefine eastern India’s tourism landscape, Odisha is preparing to unveil a world-class coastal corridor that promises not merely faster travel, but a richer experience of spirituality, heritage, nature and economic opportunity. The ambitious Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway is set to emerge as the state’s new tourism lifeline, inviting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, nature lovers and global travellers to discover Odisha like never before.
Odisha’s coastline is on the threshold of a historic transformation with the construction of the 160.18-km Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway, an ambitious infrastructure project to be developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) at an estimated investment of ₹8,300.79 crore.
Traversing the districts of Khurda, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur, the new corridor will seamlessly connect some of Odisha’s most celebrated spiritual, cultural, ecological and economic destinations while significantly enhancing passenger and freight mobility.
Designed for faster, safer and more comfortable travel, the project comprises a four-lane access-controlled highway from Rameshwar to Konark and a two-lane highway with paved shoulders from Konark to Paradeep, engineered for speeds of up to 100 km per hour.
Upon completion, travel time between Rameshwar and Paradeep is expected to reduce by nearly two-and-a-half hours, making coastal travel far more convenient for tourists, pilgrims and businesses alike.
A Divine Corridor Connecting Odisha’s Sacred Heritage
The new highway is poised to become one of India’s most significant pilgrimage corridors, providing effortless connectivity to Odisha’s iconic spiritual landmarks.
Millions of devotees visiting the globally revered Jagannath Temple at Puri will enjoy quicker access to the majestic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the revered Ramchandi Temple, creating a seamless spiritual circuit across the state’s eastern coastline.
The improved road network is expected to elevate the overall pilgrimage experience by ensuring safer journeys, reducing travel fatigue and enabling visitors to explore multiple heritage destinations within a shorter time.
The upcoming airport infrastructure in the region is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s position as one of India’s fastest-growing destinations for religious and cultural tourism.
Beyond improving connectivity, the corridor symbolises how modern infrastructure can preserve and promote India’s timeless civilisational heritage by bringing travellers closer to centuries-old temples, traditions and sacred landscapes.
A New Coastal Tourism Highway
The Rameshwar–Paradeep corridor is equally set to redefine Odisha’s coastal tourism by integrating beaches, heritage monuments, biodiversity hotspots and picturesque fishing communities into one comprehensive travel circuit.
Tourists will be able to experience an extraordinary blend of:
- Ancient temples
- Golden beaches
- Marine ecosystems
- Coastal villages
- Nature reserves
- Rich Odia culture and cuisine
Improved connectivity will also provide easier access to ecologically significant destinations, including the internationally renowned Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, famous as one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The project is expected to promote eco-tourism and responsible travel while encouraging greater public awareness about Odisha’s unique coastal biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
Driving Inclusive Growth
Beyond tourism, the coastal highway is expected to generate substantial economic opportunities for local communities.
The improved connectivity is likely to stimulate the growth of:
- Hotels and resorts
- Homestays
- Restaurants and cafés
- Handicrafts and handicraft markets
- Local transport services
- Tourism-based enterprises
- Small and medium businesses
By attracting larger tourist footfalls, the project promises to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving Odisha’s rich cultural identity.
Strengthening Odisha’s Economic Backbone
Developed in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the corridor will significantly enhance multimodal connectivity by linking:
- 9 economic nodes
- 5 logistics nodes
- Paradeep Port
- Puri Railway Station
- Proposed Puri Airport
- Major regional commercial hubs
The highway is expected to improve freight movement, strengthen supply chains and accelerate industrial growth alongside tourism development.
Gateway to a New Odisha
More than a road project, the Rameshwar–Paradeep Coastal Highway represents Odisha’s ambitious vision of harmonising infrastructure with heritage, economic development with ecological conservation, and pilgrimage with modern tourism.
As the state prepares to welcome millions of domestic and international visitors in the coming years, this landmark corridor promises to transform Odisha into one of India’s most compelling destinations—where every kilometre unfolds a story of faith, history, breathtaking natural beauty and boundless opportunity.
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