Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 (NH-326) in Odisha, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity and accelerating development in the state’s southern districts.
The project will upgrade the existing stretch of NH-326 across Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput districts, making travel faster, safer and more reliable. The improved highway is expected to significantly enhance access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities, particularly in tribal and backward regions.
Officials said the upgraded corridor will play a key role in boosting tourism and industrial activity by improving connectivity to important economic and cultural hubs. Better road infrastructure is also expected to reduce travel time and transportation costs, benefiting local communities, businesses and logistics operations.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project is likely to generate substantial employment opportunities during both the construction and maintenance phases, providing livelihoods for skilled and unskilled workers in the region.
The approval of the NH-326 project underscores the Centre’s focus on inclusive growth and regional balance, with a special emphasis on improving connectivity and economic prospects in tribal-dominated areas of Odisha.
-OdishaAge
