Bhubaneswar, Dec 31:  Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said the Centre’s approval of the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 in Odisha as a “New Year gift” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

ଓଡ଼ିଶାକୁ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ନୂଆବର୍ଷର ଉପହାର ।

ପ୍ରାୟ ୧୫୨୬ କୋଟି ଟଙ୍କା ବ୍ୟୟରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଏନଏଚ-୩୨୬ର ୬୮.୬୦୦ ରୁ ୩୧୧.୭୦୦ କିମି ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ପ୍ରାୟ ୨୪୩ କିମି ରାସ୍ତାର ସମ୍ପ୍ରସାରଣ ଓ ସୁଦୃଢ଼ିକରଣ ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପକୁ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର କ୍ୟାବିନେଟ୍ ମଞ୍ଜୁରୀ ମିଳିଥିବାରୁ ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଏବଂ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସଡ଼କ…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 31, 2025

Project Details

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the upgradation of nearly 243 km of NH-326, stretching from Km 68.600 to Km 311.700, at a cost of Rs1,526 crore. The project will involve expansion and strengthening of the existing road infrastructure, aimed at improving connectivity and safety.

Strategic Connectivity

Pradhan noted that the upgraded highway will link Odisha with major national corridors under the Bharatmala project. It will connect Raipur and Visakhapatnam—two key economic hubs—through NH-16 (Chennai–Kolkata), NH-26 (Borigumma–Bargarh), and NH-59 (Berhampur–Khariar). This enhanced connectivity is expected to boost freight movement and regional trade.

Regional Impact

The project will particularly benefit tribal-dominated districts such as Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. Improved road infrastructure will ease travel, strengthen access to markets, and accelerate regional economic growth. Pradhan emphasised that the initiative would support the development of industries, educational institutions, and tourism centres, while also creating new employment opportunities for local communities.

Government’s Vision

Calling the Cabinet’s decision a milestone, Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Modi and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for their support. He said the project reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development and its focus on strengthening infrastructure in aspirational districts.