First Ever Road Tunnel in Odisha at Koraput.

First Ever Road Tunnel in OdishaOdisha’s first-ever road tunnel, stretching 3.43 km with a three-lane, 16‑metre diameter, connecting Baraja to Kandili in Koraput district, has been completed as part of the Bhāratmala Pariyojana’s Raipur–Visakhapatnam economic corridor.

Equipped with modern safety systems, lighting, ventilation, surveillance, footpaths, signage, and more, it sets new standards for commuter safety and comfort.Second Tunnel in the WorksA second tunnel segment, approximately 2.87 km, running between Kurli and Ampavalli, remains under construction and is expected to be ready by December 2025.

Travel Time & Connectivity BoostOnce both tunnels are operational, the corridor will reduce the distance between Raipur and Visakhapatnam from 594 km to 464 km, and travel time from 14 hours down to approximately 6 hours. Commuter travel times from Koraput to Visakhapatnam will drop to under 2 hours (from over 7), and Koraput to Raipur to under 4 hours (from around 10).

Regional DevelopmentThe project includes a full six-lane corridor through Koraput, with six access points and world-class wayside amenities every 50 km—like food courts, fuel stations, EV charging, vehicle repair, medical clinics, and restrooms. It is expected to invigorate the economy, tourism, and industrial development in Koraput, Nabarangpur districts, and along the broader Raipur–Visakhapatnam corridor

It’s worth noting that before this, Odisha already had a long railway tunnel—the Maliguda Tunnel, which spans about 4.42 km and dates back to the 1960s. However, that serves rail traffic, whereas the new Koraput tunnel is Odisha’s first road tunnel under Bharatmala. 

The first tunnel is already complete and expected to be operational soon. The entire Koraput segment, including both tunnels and supporting road infrastructure, is targeting full operational status by January 2026. 

Odisha’s longest-ever road tunnel is now open—or will be very soon—for commuters. Its opening represents a significant upgrade in regional connectivity via the Bharatmala express highway. Not only does it slash travel times, but it also opens up avenues for economic growth and regional integration.