Raipur–Visakhapatnam economic corridor to slash travel time from 12 to 5 hours

The upcoming Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor is poised to transform passenger and freight movement across central and eastern India. Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the 465-km, six-lane greenfield expressway will connect Raipur in Chhattisgarh with Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh—reducing travel time from the current 12 hours to just five.

Slated for completion in December 2026, the corridor trims the present 597-km journey via NH-26 by 132 km, offering a faster and more efficient route between the two major centers.

According to the ministry, the ₹16,482-crore project forms a key component of the PM Gati Shakti vision, designed to streamline logistics and strengthen connectivity between industrial clusters and port infrastructure. The new link will give industries in Chhattisgarh and Odisha direct access to Visakhapatnam Port and to the Chennai–Kolkata National Highway, enabling smoother export flows, reduced transit costs, and improved supply chain competitiveness.

The shorter alignment is also expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption for both public transport and freight operators. Built for speeds of up to 100 kmph, the corridor will ease congestion on the existing NH-26 and improve safety and driving comfort.

Passing through the dense forests of Chhattisgarh, the mineral belt of Odisha, and the hilly stretches of Andhra Pradesh, the highway will connect regions including Dhamtari, Keshkal, Kanker, Borigumma, Nabarangpur, and Araku. For many tribal and remote communities along the route, it promises faster access to markets, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

For transporters, the impact will be immediate. A lorry owner who frequently moves cargo between Raipur and Visakhapatnam noted, “Earlier, the trip took nearly a day and a half. With the new corridor, I can start in the morning and reach by night.” He added that reduced fuel burn and lower vehicle wear-and-tear will bring much-needed savings for drivers and small fleet operators.

Once operational, the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor is expected to emerge as one of the region’s most critical transport lifelines—reshaping regional mobility and accelerating economic growth across three states.