A delegation of journalists from Raipur recently visited the construction sites of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor, witnessing firsthand the engineering marvels and environmental safeguards of Chhattisgarh’s first 6-lane access-controlled highway. The project, a massive undertaking spanning 464 km with a total investment of ₹16,491 Crore, is set to transform the regional economy by linking industrial nodes directly to the Visakhapatnam Port. During the visit, the media team inspected the 125 km Chhattisgarh section, which is being developed across three major packages (Jhanki to Marangpuri) at a cost of approximately ₹4,146 Crore.

Speaking to the press, Shri Pradeep Kumar Lal, Regional Officer, NHAI Chhattisgarh, emphasized that this is not just a road project but a commitment to sustainable development. "We are executing marvelous engineering work here while prioritizing our responsibility toward nature," said Lal. He highlighted that the project includes pioneering safety measures for wild animals, such as monkey canopies and dedicated animal underpasses. Most notably, the 2.79 km twin-tube tunnel through the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) ensures that the tiger corridor remains undisturbed while providing a rapid route through hilly terrain. Lal noted that once complete, the travel time to Visakhapatnam will be reduced from the current 12 hours to just 6-7 hours, saving fuel and significantly lowering carbon emissions".

To ensure the safety of wildlife and minimize road accidents, NHAI has integrated state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure into this corridor. Under the project, several animal overpasses, animal underpasses, and monkey canopies have been constructed to protect wild animals from road fatalities. Additionally, to mitigate the impact of collisions, Traffic Impact Attunuators have been installed, which will significantly reduce casualties in the event of an accident. To strengthen safety and monitoring, advanced camera systems are also being deployed throughout the route to ensure smooth and secure traffic flow.

The corridor is designed for a speed of 100 kmph  and features several "firsts" for the state, including its first road tunnel designed to minimize ecological impact. The project is expected to be a boon for the iron mines of Chhattisgarh, making the transportation of resources to the coast rapid and easy. It also promises improved connectivity for tribal and aspirational districts such as Dhamtari, Kanker, and Kondagaon. Work is progressing steadily, with the likely completion dates for the Chhattisgarh packages projected between April and November 2026.

PJ/SK/RDJ

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