The Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway is the single largest infrastructure project in the Greater Raipur region. This 464 km, 6-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway will slash travel time from 13 hours to just 6–7 hours and reduce distance from 595 km to 464 km.
| Status | Under Construction |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 464 km (6-lane, access-controlled, greenfield) |
| Investment | ₹20,000 crore (~US$2.4 billion) |
| States Covered | Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh |
| Expected Completion | December 2026 |
| Agency | NHAI (Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I) |
The expressway starts near Abhanpur (south of Raipur) and traverses through Dhamtari, Kanker, and Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh before crossing into Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to reach Visakhapatnam Port.
Key Highlights
- 19 construction packages awarded; work underway on most sections
- Includes 2.8 km tunnel through the Eastern Ghats
- Foundation stone laid by PM Narendra Modi in November 2022
- Will boost exports from Central India through Visakhapatnam Port
- Part of the East Coast Economic Corridor
Impact on Greater Raipur
This expressway will transform Raipur into a logistics gateway to the eastern seaboard, significantly boosting industrial exports from the region's steel, cement, and manufacturing sectors. Real estate along the Abhanpur stretch is already seeing increased investor interest.