New Delhi: The construction of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway is progressing at a rapid pace. It is expected to be completed by 2025. The infrastructure project is aimed at enhancing connectivity between the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. It is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I and will cover a total distance of 464.66km. NESCO has been selected to develop, operate, and maintain wayside amenities on the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway on a lease basis.
The six-lane expressway will reduce the distance between Raipur and Visakhapatnam from 590km to 464km. It is expected to cut down the travel time by almost seven hours.
The project is estimated to cost around Rs 20,000 crore. A hybrid annuity model (HAM) is being employed for its development with the detailed project Report (DPR) having been completed by the renowned South Korean firm, YONGMA Engineering Co. Ltd.
Route and budget
In fact, the construction has been divided into 19 packages. Each package has been allocated to a specific contractor. Currently, the tender finalisation process is in progress, with several packages already awarded to contractors including Adani Transport, Dilip Buildcon Ltd., and Max Infra.
The expressway will connect many urban centres across the three states. It will pass through Raipur, Dhamtari, Kanker, and Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh. The expressway will pass through districts such as Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Sunabeda in Odisha, while in Andhra Pradesh, it will cover the Vizianagaram district.
The real estate is expected to benefit the most. As the expressway links key cities across the three states, it is expected to trigger growth. The surrounding areas will see increased demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
How improved connectivity will help the region?
The expressway is expected to improve logistics, and contribute to the growth of industries, particularly in the manufacturing and export sectors. The improved connectivity will foster better access to goods, services, and markets.
Also, authorities are planning to plant 31,191 trees on both sides of the expressway to ensure green cover. The project will also include landscaping features like shrubbery, grass carpeting, and hedges along the route.
