Coastal Competition: NHAI Receives 17 Bids for Odisha Highway Project

Backed by official ministry disclosures, developer interest surges for the multi-billion-rupee greenfield corridor linking Rameshwar to Paradip.

Marking a significant milestone in regional infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has secured an overwhelming response for the construction of the 160-kilometer Rameshwar-Paradip coastal highway in Odisha. According to official announcements released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in early September 2026, a total of 17 commercial bids have been submitted across the project's two designated packages.

The greenfield corridor, which received formal clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with a combined capital outlay of ₹8,300.79 crore, is structured to be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Evaluating Package Breakdown, Technical Scope, and Developer Response

Structuring the implementation of the massive transport corridor involves splitting the alignment into two distinct operational packages to optimize construction timelines. According to official project documentation and tender disclosures, the bidding metrics include:

• Package I (Rameshwar to Konark): Spanning 79.4 kilometers as a four-lane access-controlled highway, this segment attracted 10 competitive bids and carries an estimated construction cost of ₹5,304.8 crore.

• Package II (Konark to Paradip): Covering 80.7 kilometers as a two-lane configuration with paved shoulders, this northern stretch received 7 bids with a financial allocation of ₹2,995.99 crore.

• Land Acquisition and Pre-Construction: Combined pre-construction expenses, including land acquisition across affected districts, account for ₹1,419.75 crore of the overall capital framework.

• Design Specifications: Engineered for a consistent design speed of 100 kilometers per hour, the highway is intended to bypass congested local areas and separate high-speed transit from regional commuter traffic.

Why It Matters

The practical implications of advancing the Rameshwar-Paradip coastal highway resonate deeply across regional tourism, industrial logistics, and employment generation. For travelers and pilgrims, the corridor will cut travel time between Rameshwar and Paradip by approximately two and a half hours, while easing access to sacred sites like the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Konark Sun Temple. For commercial transporters, the route offers a vital alternative to congested existing roads like NH-16 and NH-316, reducing vehicle operating costs and supporting freight movement toward Paradip Port and emerging maritime hubs. Furthermore, construction activities are projected to generate over 53 lakh direct and 67 lakh indirect man-days of employment.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Total Project Length: Approximately 160.18 kilometers across Odisha's coastal belt.

• Approved Capital Cost: ₹8,300.79 crore, sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

• Execution Framework: Implemented via the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in two separate packages.

• Total Bids Received: 17 developer submissions currently undergoing technical evaluation by NHAI.

FAQ Section

What is the primary objective of the Rameshwar-Paradip coastal highway project?

The project aims to provide a high-speed, access-controlled alternative to congested existing routes like NH-16 and NH-316, significantly improving regional connectivity, tourism access, and freight movement across Odisha.

How many bids did the National Highways Authority of India receive?

NHAI received a total of 17 bids, with 10 bids submitted for Package I (Rameshwar to Konark) and 7 bids for Package II (Konark to Paradip).

What is the estimated total cost and execution model of the highway?

The project has a combined capital cost of ₹8,300.79 crore and is being awarded under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Where can official tender announcements and project updates be accessed?

Official infrastructural notifications, bidding status reports, and press releases are published regularly on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Official Portal and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Website.

Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways via PIB, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Business Standard, Odisha TV