In a significant move to revamp transportation in India's eastern region, the Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway is set to become a key infrastructure project. Spanning 783 kilometres, this greenfield expressway is a vital part of the Central Government's Gati Shakti Framework, designed to enhance connectivity across the country. Once completed, the expressway will connect important locations in West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, streamlining travel and boosting regional development.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway is its potential to drastically cut travel time. Currently, the journey between Kharagpur and Visakhapatnam takes about 14 hours, but the new road will reduce that to just 8 hours. This will be a game-changer for both passenger and freight transport, making it easier and faster to move people and goods across the eastern states of India.
The expressway will pass through key cities and towns in Odisha, including Chandikhol, Cuttack, Khorda, Tangi, and Brahmapur. This route will not only improve access between major cities but will also enhance connectivity to important economic hubs in the region. As such, the expressway is expected to play a crucial role in boosting trade and industrial growth across West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
In addition to improving transportation efficiency, the expressway is poised to bring significant economic benefits. By facilitating smoother and faster movement of goods, it will encourage trade, support industries, and create new economic opportunities for less-developed areas along its route. The project is also expected to generate jobs and contribute to the overall growth of the region.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has already made progress on the project. In November 2024, technical bids for the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were opened, with several bids already received. These bids are currently under review, and financial bids will follow soon. If the contracts are awarded by mid-2025, the final DPRs should be ready by the end of 2026, with construction expected to commence by 2028.
Once completed, the Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway will be a game-changing route, offering a faster, more efficient means of travel and bolstering economic connectivity across the region. This project, supported by the Gati Shakti Framework, promises to bring long-term benefits to millions of people in West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone in India's transportation and economic landscape.