Union Minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari virtually laid the foundation stone for a Rs 718.26-crore road widening project in Daringbadi in Kandhamal district.

The project involves widening and strengthening of a 26.96-km stretch of National Highway-59 from Kalama near Gajalabadi (Ganjam district) to Malebadi near Daringbadi (Kandhamal district). The current single- lane road of 3.50 meters will be expanded to a two- lane standard of approximately 10m.

"The project is expected to be completed within three years after tender finalization," said Satya Ranjan Mallick, superintendent engineer of National Highway's Berhampur circle. The upgrade will include removal of hairpin bends to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The development comes as a relief for the region ces which has faced challenges due to the narrow carriageway and poor road geometry. This stretch was the only single-lane section remaining on NH-59, which connects Gopalpur (Odisha) to Raipur (Chhattisgarh).

"This upgrade will boost tourism in Daringbadi, known as the 'Kashmir of Odisha', and enhance connectivity to scenic locations in Sorada area," said Nilamani Bisoi, Sorada MLA.