Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor to Boost Connectivity and Growth
New Delhi: The upcoming 6-lane greenfield Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor (RVEC) is poised to dramatically boost connectivity, trade, and economic growth across remote regions of Odisha. Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways at a cost of ₹16,482 crore, the corridor is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
Spanning the forests of Chhattisgarh, the mineral belts of Odisha, and the hilly terrain of Andhra Pradesh, the new highway will reduce the Raipur–Visakhapatnam distance from 597 km to 465 km. Travel time is expected to drop from 12 hours to just 5 hours, promising substantial savings in fuel and transportation costs for both public commuters and freight operators.
In Odisha, the corridor will pass through tribal and economically backward districts such as Borigumma, Nabarangpur, and Koraput, bringing them closer to key markets, ports, and industrial centres. Officials and local observers expect this enhanced access to spur industrial activity, boost exports through Visakhapatnam Port, and create jobs in logistics, commerce, and real estate.
Farmers along the corridor are already experiencing notable economic shifts. One farmer shared that land prices have soared since construction began: “Our land was valued at about ₹15 lakh per acre earlier. Now it is close to ₹1.5 crore. Farmers here are genuinely happy.”
Transporters also anticipate major benefits. Vishal, a lorry owner who frequently travels between Raipur and Visakhapatnam, said the new route will reshape their operations: “Earlier, the journey took one and a half days. Now I can start in the morning and reach by night.” He added that reduced distance will mean lower diesel consumption and less wear and tear on vehicles, easing operational costs significantly.
Beyond economic advantages, the corridor is expected to improve mobility for tribal communities, enhance road safety, and ease congestion on the existing 2-lane NH-26. Built for speeds of up to 100 km/hr, the highway is designed to offer more reliable, predictable, and comfortable travel for both passengers and goods carriers.
Residents in Andhra Pradesh also echo this optimism. A farmer from Vizianagaram said, “At first, we felt sad to give our land. But now, as the corridor nears completion, we feel hopeful. Our land value has more than doubled, and we know this development will bring more opportunities.” Another farmer, Srinivasulu from Jami village, added that the value of their remaining land has risen significantly, and villagers are welcoming the new prospects.
The RVEC project is a key component of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, aimed at integrating remote regions into the national economic network, promoting tourism, and creating sustainable development across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
