TNI Bureau: The Coastal Highway Project in Odisha has been the subject of several questions and misconceptions regarding its starting point, project phases and the proposed Chilika connectivity. Authorities have clarified that the project will be implemented in phases, with the highway ultimately connecting Badapokharia in Khordha district to Digha in West Bengal.
One of the common questions is why the project is often described as starting from Rameswar when the actual starting point is Badapokharia. Officials explained that Badapokharia is located only about 4 km from Rameswar, a well-known junction familiar to most people. Rameswar is already connected to Puri through the New Jagannath Road and is also set to become a key transport hub with the proposed Capital Region Ring Road project. For this reason, the Coastal Highway is frequently referred to as the Rameswar–Paradip corridor, even though it will officially begin at Badapokharia. Similarly, while the first phase will end at Masakani in Kendrapara district, it is often referred to as extending to Paradip because of the port city’s prominence and proximity.
The project has been divided into two phases. The first phase, stretching from Badapokharia to Masakani, has received Cabinet approval. The second phase, from Masakani to Digha, is currently under preparation, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) being prepared. Officials said construction of the second phase will begin after the alignment is finalised and the required statutory clearances are obtained.
Clarifications have also been issued regarding the proposed Chilika link. The Coastal Highway is planned as an economic corridor that will facilitate the movement of commercial vehicles, including trucks, trailers and buses, between southern India and major ports such as Paradip and Dhamra. Since routing heavy traffic directly across Chilika could affect the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem, the main highway alignment will not pass through the lake area.
However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a separate connectivity project across Chilika. The project includes the construction of two two-lane bridges with a combined length of about 7 km between Satapada and Jahnikuda, linking Puri and Krushnaprasad. The proposed bridges are intended mainly for regulated movement of light vehicles such as cars, jeeps and motorcycles. Land acquisition for the project has already advanced with the issuance of a 3(A) Gazette Notification, and construction is expected to begin after the project receives final environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment.
Once completed, the Coastal Highway is expected to improve connectivity along Odisha’s coastline, strengthen access to key ports and promote economic development across the coastal region.
