Bhubaneswar: The Centre has approved Rs 447.11 crore for upgradation of the Kurumpuri–Raj Khariar stretch, covering 103.52 km of NH-353 and NH-59 in Nuapada and Balangir districts, said Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday.In a post on X, Gadkari said NH-353 and NH-59 together form a crucial inter-state corridor linking Chhattisgarh’s Raipur–Mahasamund region with Odisha, and extending further to Berhampur and Gopalpur port. “The project will significantly strengthen regional and inter-state connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Ganjam districts,” he said.The corridor improvement, which includes rectification of black spots and provision of paved shoulders, is expected to enhance road safety, particularly for two-wheelers that account for a large share of traffic in the region.The project will also improve access to key tourist destinations such as Daringbadi, Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary and nearby hill areas, thereby boosting tourism and local economic activity, Gadkari added.While NH-353 connects Mahasamund district in Chhatisgarh with Khariar of Nuapada district of Odisha. Similarly, NH-59 connects Khariar of Nuapada district with Berhampur in Ganjam.
