Odisha Cabinet Clears Four-Laning of Rayagada-Kereda Road at Rs 126.94 Crore

Bhubaneswar: Travel time between Rayagada and Kereda in southern Odisha is expected to nearly halve with the state Cabinet approving the four-laning of the 25.166-km Rayagada-Kereda Road (MDR-48B) in Rayagada district.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 186.19 crore, will be executed at a tender value of Rs 126.94 crore, awarded to Ashribad Engineering & Constructions Pvt. Ltd. The road will be widened and strengthened from the existing two lanes to four lanes under the State Plan.

According to the Works Department, the upgraded corridor is expected to bring down travel time on the stretch from around one hour to nearly 30 minutes. The project is targeted for completion within 24 calendar months.

The four-laning is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs and make journeys safer through improved road engineering and modern traffic management measures. It is also expected to provide better riding quality and greater convenience for both commuters and freight operators.

Beyond improving everyday mobility, the corridor is strategically important for the movement of agricultural produce, minerals and industrial goods. It serves major industrial establishments, including JK Paper Mills, IMFA, Vedanta Aluminium and Utkal Alumina.

Improved road infrastructure is expected to make transportation of raw materials and finished products more efficient, reduce logistics costs and strengthen the industrial and mining economy of the region. The upgraded corridor will also improve connectivity towards Andhra Pradesh, strengthening interstate movement.

For residents of Rayagada, the project is expected to improve access to essential services. The district has a substantial Scheduled Tribe population, and better roads could make it easier for people in remote areas to reach healthcare, educational institutions, markets, banking services and government welfare programmes.

The construction activity is also expected to generate employment, while improved connectivity could support longer-term livelihood opportunities and economic activity along the corridor.

The project has a tourism dimension as well. The road provides access to Maa Majhighariani, one of southern Odisha’s prominent religious destinations. A safer and faster corridor is expected to facilitate pilgrim movement and support local businesses dependent on hospitality, transport and other tourism-related services.

The upgraded road will further strengthen connectivity with the Rayagada Railway Division, an important rail hub in southern Odisha. Better road-to-rail links are expected to improve passenger movement and freight handling while supporting more efficient first- and last-mile connectivity.

The four-laning of MDR-48B is therefore expected to serve as more than a road-widening project, linking Rayagada’s industrial, agricultural, religious and railway networks while improving connectivity for communities across the district.