Berhampur: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has resumed the previously shelved coastal highway project connecting Gopalpur to Satapada, following recent approval from the alignment approval committee of the ministry of road transport and highways.
The committee approved the proposed alignment and land acquisition plan for the two-lane NH-516A project on Nov 29. NHAI has subsequently appointed a private agency to prepare the feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR).
NHAI project director K Nageswara Rao has directed the agency to submit their proposal, including a drone survey, by Wednesday for further evaluation. The project, however, remains subject to environmental clearance and state govt’s approval due to its proximity to Chilika lake.
The initiative, part of the larger Gopalpur-Digha coastal highway project, had previously faced opposition from the expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the Union environment ministry, citing environmental concerns regarding the proposed bridge over Chilika.
Former deputy speaker Ram Chandra Panda, who spearheaded local support for the project, welcomed the development. “The highway will reduce the distance between Berhampur and Puri from 210 km to 150 km, significantly benefiting local fishermen in transporting their catch,” said Panda, a senior BJP member.
The project has received backing from seven sarpanches in Ganjam block, who had earlier petitioned the ministry of road transport and highways. However, environmental activists continue to oppose the construction, arguing it could harm Chilika’s delicate ecosystem.