Introduction:
The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is set to revolutionize travel between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, forming a key economic corridor as part of the Bharatmala project. This expressway will significantly shorten travel distances, enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother transport between Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, and Visakhapatnam, a major port city in Andhra Pradesh. The project is designed to create state-of-the-art infrastructure while ensuring minimal impact on local wildlife.
Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway
The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is set to transform connectivity across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 464 km, this six-lane greenfield expressway is a vital part of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor, designed to enhance trade, tourism, and economic development in Central India.
Key Features of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway
- Length: 464 km
- Lanes: Six-lane
- Route: Connects Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh
- Status: Under construction
- Expected Completion: By the end of 2025
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | Rs. 20,000 crore |
| Project’s Total Length | 464.662 km |
| Lanes | 6 |
| Deadline | 2025 |
| Owner | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) |
| Project Model | Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) |
Also Read: India’s Road to the Future: High Speed Road Corridor Projects
Benefits of the Expressway
- Reduced Travel Time: The expressway will dramatically shorten travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam, making journeys quicker and more efficient.
- Economic Growth: By facilitating smoother and faster transportation, the expressway will create new business opportunities and open up trade corridors, driving economic growth in the region.
- Improved Connectivity: Enhances regional connectivity, making it easier to travel between key cities and towns.
- Infrastructure Development: Spurs development along the expressway corridor, supporting the growth of new businesses and infrastructure projects.
Impact on Tourism:
The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is expected to be a boon for tourism. Improved connectivity will allow tourists to easily access and explore the diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and historical sites across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. From the serene beauty of Chhattisgarh’s forests to Odisha’s historical temples and Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant cities, the expressway will make regional tourism more accessible and attractive.
Route and Coverage
The expressway begins at Abhanpur near Raipur in Chhattisgarh and stretches to Sabbavaram near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It traverses approximately:
- Chhattisgarh: 124 km
- Odisha: 262 km
- Andhra Pradesh: 99 km
With its extensive reach and state-of-the-art design, the Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway promises to be a pivotal infrastructure project, significantly enhancing connectivity and driving growth in Central India.
The expressway, a critical segment of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, will span three states—Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. It is designed to enhance regional connectivity and economic development. In the first phase, 400 km will be constructed, connecting Abhanpur to Sabbavaram in Andhra Pradesh.
Route and Coverage of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway:
| State | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | Districts: Raipur, Dhamtari, Kanker, Kondagaon – Key towns: Raipur, Dhamtari, Naharpur, Sarona, Mukundpur Road, Keskal, Salna – Connects: NH-30 and NH-130C |
| Odisha | Districts: Nabarangpur, Koraput – Key towns: Sunapali, Raighar, Umerkote, Dabugaon, Papadahandi, Nowrangpur, Kotpad, Gaudaguda, Borigumma, Raniguda, Koraput, Sunabeda, Pottangi, Ondarangi – Route: Follows NH-26 |
| Andhra Pradesh | District: Vizianagaram Key towns: Salur, Gajapathinagaram, Vizianagaram- Termination: Sabbavaram, near Visakhapatnam |
Also Read: Economic Impact of the Bangalore–Vijayawada Expressway
Project Progress
The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The project is divided into 19 packages, each assigned to different contractors responsible for timely completion. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by Yongma Engineering Co., Ltd. – Architechno Consultants.
Significant progress has been made in land acquisition and bidding for the Odisha segment. Construction is underway with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and enhancing regional development.
Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway Cost Breakdown
The total cost of the expressway is Rs. 20,000 crore, allocated for both construction and land acquisition. The Odisha segment will cost Rs. 10,000 crore, while the remaining costs will be shared between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The expressway’s development is a significant investment in regional infrastructure.
Importance and Impact
The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway will be a major catalyst for economic growth, reducing travel time from 14 hours to approximately 7 hours. This improvement in travel efficiency is expected to boost economic activity, support real estate development, and create job opportunities. The project will also enhance the quality of life by fostering the development of educational and medical institutions along the route.
Environmental considerations are a key aspect of the project. Approximately 31,191 trees will be planted, and additional green spaces will be developed. Hedges will be installed to mitigate light pollution, protecting local wildlife.
Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway, including the contractors and their respective packages:
| Package | Segment | Distance (km) | Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| CG1 | Abhanpur to Magerlod | 00.000 to 42.852 | Shalimar Corp |
| CG2 | Sargi to Basanwahi | 42.800 to 99.500 | Dilip Buildcon Ltd. (Lowest Bidder) |
| CG3 | Basanwahi to Marangpuri | 99.500 to 124.661 | KMV Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD1 | Dhanara (Odisha/Chhattisgarh Border) to Hatibena | 124.611 to 146.500 | NKC Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD2 | Hatibena to Badakumari | 146.500 to 179.000 | Barbrik (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD3 | Badakumari to Karki | 179.000 to 226.500 | Adani Transport (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD4 | Karki to Kaliagura | 226.500 to 249.000 | NKC Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD5 | Boriguma to Dasamantpur | 249.000 to 293.000 | HG Infra Engineering (Lowest Bidder) at Rs. 1338.27 cr |
| OD6 | Koraput to Pattangi | 293.000 to 338.500 | HG Infra Engineering (Lowest Bidder) at Rs. 958.98 cr |
| OD7 | Baraja to Kandili | Not Specified | DRA Infracon (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD8 | Kandili to Tumbigura | Not Specified | Max Infra (India) (Lowest Bidder) |
| OD9 | Scope Unknown | Not Specified | Tender Notice Pending |
| OD10 | Scope Unknown | Not Specified | Tender Notice Pending |
| OD11 | Scope Unknown | Not Specified | Tender Notice Pending |
| AP Package 1 | Aluru to Jakkuva | 365.033 to 396.800 | HG Infra (Lowest Bidder) |
| AP Package 2 | Jakkuva to Korlam | 396.800 to 421.100 | NKC Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
| AP Package 3 | Korlam to Kantakapalle | 421.100 to 445.100 | PSK Infrastructures and Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
| AP Package 4 | Kantakapalle to Sabbavaram | 445.100 to 464.662 | NKC Projects (Lowest Bidder) |
Also Read: Hyderabad Amaravati Expressway: Latest news and Project details 2024
Current Status and Future Outlook
The expressway project is on track, with tenders for construction packages underway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) oversees the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2024. The expressway will significantly reduce travel distance from 590 km to 464 km, aligning with India’s broader infrastructure goals and contributing to the country’s economic ambitions.
Conclusion
The Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway, with its 464 km stretch and six-lane design, represents a pivotal development in India’s transportation infrastructure. Part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, it will improve connectivity between Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, supporting economic growth and regional development. The expressway is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in enhancing transportation efficiency and regional integration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The expressway spans 464 km.
It is a six-lane expressway.
The expressway passes through Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
The expressway will reduce travel time, boost economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and stimulate infrastructure development along its route.
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