Odisha Coastal Highway's Package 3 Gets Green Clearance

29 Aug 2023 CW Team

In a promising turn, Package 3 of Odisha's coastal highway project, stretching from Kakatpur to Erasama, has received a crucial recommendation for environmental clearance. This development follows the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) decision to cancel tenders for several segments of the ambitious 346-km coastal highway due to alignment issues.

Package 3 had encountered resistance from locals due to revised alignment, prompting apprehensions over the project's viability. However, sources confirm that the highway's alignment has been reworked and endorsed for environmental clearance. Once the necessary approvals are obtained, the detailed project report (DPR) will be formulated.

Veerendra Singh, Chief General Manager of Odisha Circle, expressed optimism about the coastal highway's revival, stating, "The NHAI will proceed once the environmental clearance and other statutory clearances are obtained." The coastal highway project, announced in 2015 by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, aims to enhance connectivity to ports, ease traffic congestion, and boost tourism in the state by linking seven coastal districts.

Originally envisioned as an Rs 80 billion project spanning from Gopalpur to Digha, the highway's length was later reduced to 346 km (Rameshwar to Digha) through a revised alignment, bypassing ecologically sensitive areas including Chilika, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.

The recent environmental clearance recommendation for Package 3 brings renewed hope to the coastal highway initiative, shedding light on a potential solution to previous alignment-related setbacks. The project's progression aligns with the broader goal of enhancing infrastructure and connectivity while mitigating ecological impact.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..