Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway: Route, Map, Cost & Latest Progress

The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is poised to become one of India’s most important infrastructure projects, linking central and eastern regions and facilitating economic growth, industrial development, and improved connectivity across three states: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 464 km and six lanes wide, this expressway is designed to reduce travel time dramatically, encourage real estate development, and strengthen trade and logistics corridors. Approved under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, the expressway is expected to be operational by 2027, positioning it as a key contributor to India’s economic expansion.

This expressway will not only enhance regional connectivity but also serve as a growth driver for commercial, residential, and industrial development along its route. From boosting tourism to improving supply chain efficiency, the Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is expected to transform travel, trade, and investment dynamics in central and eastern India.

Key Details of Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway

As an economic corridor under Bharatmala Pariyojana, the expressway is designed to meet the growing demand for fast, safe, and reliable transport between central and eastern India. The project also aims to integrate existing highway networks and enhance freight efficiency.

Also Read: Upper Ganga Canal (UGC) Expressway: Key Details and Real Estate Impact

History and Background

The idea of the Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway was conceived in 2014 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to address multiple objectives:

• Improve regional connectivity between Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Boost economic growth by providing faster transportation for goods and people.
• Promote tourism by connecting scenic and cultural regions in central and eastern India.
• Facilitate the development of underdeveloped districts along the corridor.

The Government of India approved the project in 2017, and the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022. Its inclusion under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I underscores the project’s strategic significance in achieving India’s five-trillion-dollar economy goal.

Construction Details

The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), combining public-private partnership benefits with government funding for better risk management. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by YONGMA Engineering Co. Ltd. – Arkitechno Consultants, a globally recognized firm specializing in large infrastructure projects.

The expressway has been divided into 19 packages, each assigned to experienced contractors to ensure timely completion and high-quality standards. Some of the prominent contractors involved include:

• Adani Transport
• Dilip Buildcon Ltd.
• NKC Projects
• Max Infra
• Shalimar Corp
• Barbrik

Most land acquisition and tender processes have been completed, except for a few pending packages in the Odisha section. Contractors are responsible for meeting strict deadlines and delivering each package within budget.

Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway Route Map

The expressway traverses three states and multiple districts, strategically connecting national and state highways:

• Chhattisgarh (124 km): Raipur, Dhamtari, Kanker, Kondagaon districts (NH-30 and NH-130C)
• Odisha (240 km): Nabarangpur, Koraput districts (NH-26)
• Andhra Pradesh (100 km): Vizianagaram district, ending at Sabbavaram near Visakhapatnam (SH-9)

The route connects important economic hubs, promotes industrialization, and enhances accessibility for rural and urban communities. Future plans include connecting the expressway to NCR CMC hubs (Bhatinda-Hisar-Jaipur-Gwalior, Ludhiana-Patiala-Ambala) and the Eastern Economic Corridor, further increasing its economic and strategic value.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of the expressway is Rs. 20,000 crore, which includes both construction and land acquisition:

• Odisha section: Rs. 10,000 crore
• Chhattisgarh & Andhra Pradesh sections: remaining Rs. 10,000 crore

This investment is expected to stimulate local economies, generate employment, and attract further investments in real estate and commercial sectors. The expressway is a clear demonstration of India’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure while promoting balanced regional development.

Significance of the Expressway

The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway will deliver several benefits:

• Reduced Travel Time: Travel between Raipur and Visakhapatnam will reduce from approximately 13 hours to 6–7 hours.
• Regional Economic Boost: Industrial, commercial, and tourism activities along the corridor are expected to grow.
• Infrastructure Development: Enhanced road connectivity in underdeveloped areas will foster social and economic progress.
• Real Estate Development: Anticipated surge in residential, commercial, and industrial projects along the route.
• Employment Generation: New job opportunities in construction, logistics, real estate, and services.
• Social Development: Planned educational and medical facilities, along with the plantation of 31,191 trees, hedges, and landscaping to improve environmental sustainability.

This expressway is expected to create a ripple effect across multiple sectors, improving quality of life and economic prospects for residents in the region.

Current Status

The project is progressing steadily:

• Tendering and Land Acquisition: Ongoing across 19 packages.
• Tunnel Construction: Chhattisgarh’s first national highway tunnel, measuring 2.79 km, has been completed. The LHS tunnel is expected to open by March-April 2026, while the RHS tunnel will open in mid-2026.
• Operational Timeline: The expressway is anticipated to be fully operational by 2027.

The tunnel is a significant engineering feat, reducing travel time and overcoming difficult hilly terrain along the corridor.

Package-wise Construction

Some notable packages include:

• Package 1: Abhanpur to Magerlod – 42.852 km
• Package 5: Hatibena to Badakumari – 32.5 km
• Package 18: Kantakapalle to Sabbavaram – 19.562 km

Each package is managed by specialized contractors, ensuring systematic construction and adherence to high-quality standards.

Real Estate and Economic Impact

The expressway is expected to generate significant real estate and economic opportunities:

• Development of residential apartments, plots, and commercial spaces along the corridor.
• Rise in property values due to improved connectivity.
• Growth in hospitals, malls, IT parks, and hospitality services.
• Contribution to regional GDP and employment generation.

The expressway will attract developers, businesses, and investors, transforming towns and districts along the route into emerging economic hubs.

Environmental and Social Considerations

The project incorporates:

• Wildlife Protection Measures: Including animal underpasses and canopy bridges to ensure safe wildlife movement.
• Green Initiatives: Plantation of over 31,191 trees along the corridor.
• Community Engagement: Efforts to minimize displacement and provide compensation to affected communities.

Future Prospects

Upon completion, the Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is expected to:

• Integrate with National Corridors: Enhancing connectivity to Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, and other major cities.
• Support the Eastern Economic Corridor: Facilitating trade and industrial activities along the eastern coast.
• Boost Tourism: Providing easier access to tourist destinations in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read: Chennai Bangalore Expressway: Route, Map, Toll Rates and More

Contact Information

For queries regarding the Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway, you can reach out to:

Office Address: 1/441/16, Behind Lakshmi Towers, Maruthi Nagar, Near RTC Bus Stand, Kadapa-516991, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh
Phone: 8130006267
Email: kadapanhai@nhai.org

Conclusion

The Raipur Visakhapatnam Expressway is not merely a transport route; it is a catalyst for economic, social, and infrastructural development in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. With completion expected by 2027, it promises reduced travel times, enhanced connectivity, real estate growth, and industrial development. This expressway is set to transform central and eastern India, making it a vital corridor for trade, tourism, and socio-economic progress.