Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway to change Eastern India's road connectivity

In a recent development, the Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway is all set to change the face of transportation in India's eastern region and overall. This 783 km long greenfield expressway is a part of the Central government's Gati Shakti Framework. The road, when done, will link prime locations across West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

It will also reduce travel time between Kharagpur and Visakhapatnam from 14 hours to just 8 hours. This is going to be a game-changer for both passenger and freight movement. On this note, let’s have a look at some of the major facts about the upcoming Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway.
Route

The expressway will connect Kharagpur in West Bengal to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The road will traverse through major cities and towns in Odisha, including Chandikhol, Cuttack, Khorda, Tangi, and Brahmapur. This corridor will also improve connectivity between prime economic hubs in the eastern part of the country.
Benefits


The government is also hoping for economic benefits with this expressway. It is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts as it will allow smoother and faster transportation of goods, boosting trade and industrial development. Also, the expressway will bring economic opportunities to less-developed areas along its route, promoting regional development and creating jobs.

Development

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has already initiated preparations for the expressway. Technical bids for the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were opened in November 2024 and have received quite a few bids too.

These bids are currently under evaluation, and financial bids are expected to follow soon. If contracts are awarded by mid-2025, the DPRs should be finalised by the end of 2026. Construction work is anticipated to begin in 2028.

Once completed, the Kharagpur-Visakhapatnam Expressway will be a game changer route. Its efficient design will reduce travel time and enhance regional connectivity. It will also add to the economic growth of the country. Through proper planning and research under the Gati Shakti Framework, this expressway promises to bring significant benefits to millions of people in three major states, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, making it a major milestone in India’s future.