Odisha Unveils Ambitious Road Plan: 6,500 km Highways and a Landmark Berhampur-Jeypore Expressway

In a bold announcement that could redefine the transport infrastructure of Odisha, Works and Transport Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has unveiled a sweeping plan to construct 6,500 kilometres of new state highways and motorways by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year. The project is being described as a transformative leap for the state’s connectivity and economic development.

At the heart of this massive initiative is the state’s first dedicated motorway—the Berhampur-Jeypore Expressway. The 305-kilometre, four-lane greenfield corridor will span across Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput districts, forming the backbone of the Biju Motorway Phase II. With an estimated cost of ₹6,100 crore, the project promises to significantly cut travel time between Berhampur and Jeypore—from nearly eight hours to just five.

Minister Harichandan, speaking to the media in Cuttack, described the motorway not just as an infrastructure upgrade, but as a catalyst for regional development. “This corridor is a lifeline for South Odisha. It will do more than move cars—it will move the economy,” he said, emphasizing the potential to attract industries, boost tourism, and generate local employment.

Detailed plans show the expressway will cover 43 km in Ganjam, 47 km in Gajapati, 158 km in Rayagada, and 57 km in Koraput. Engineers expect to complete the route in three years, with specific benefits including a 45-minute reduction in travel time to Mohana and up to 90 minutes saved en route to Rayagada.

The Odisha State Highways Authority will oversee the implementation of the larger highway network, which is set to touch nearly every corner of the state. In a nod to regional pride, each new stretch of road will be named after a prominent local leader or cultural icon, ensuring a lasting emotional and historical connection for the residents.

If executed on schedule, the initiative could mark a turning point for underdeveloped regions of South Odisha, replacing decades-old travel woes with a modern corridor of connectivity and opportunity.