Cabinet approves widening, strengthening of highways project in Odisha

Key Points

1. The Union Cabinet approved the widening and strengthening of NH-326 in Odisha on **December 31, 2025**.
2. The project involves upgrading the existing two-lane stretch to a two-lane highway with paved shoulder from **68.600 km** to **311.700 km**.
3. The total capital cost for the project is **₹1,526.21 crore**, including a civil construction cost of **₹966.79 crore**.
4. The upgradation of NH-326 is expected to benefit the districts of **Gajapati**, **Rayagada**, and **Koraput** in southern Odisha.
5. The government declared the stretch as NH-326 vide Gazette Notification dated **August 14, 2012**.
6. NH-326 starts from its junction with NH-59 near Aska and terminates at its junction with NH-30 near Chinturu in Odisha.