Raipur: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the construction of Chhattisgarh’s first national highway tunnel, a 2.79-km structure located on the Raipur–Visakhapatnam economic corridor. The tunnel, part of the NH-130CD, was completed in 12 months and lies along the border of Kanker and Kondagaon districts, near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha boundary.
Officials confirmed that the completed section is the left-hand side tunnel of a twin-tube system. Excavation on the right-hand side tunnel is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The left tunnel is scheduled to open for traffic by March-April 2026, while the right tunnel is likely to become operational by July-August the same year.
The six-lane NH-130CD corridor spans 464 km and is designed to enhance road connectivity between Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam, benefiting freight movement and passenger traffic. The project is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a national initiative focused on developing economic corridors to improve logistics efficiency.
While the development is being positioned as a key infrastructural milestone for the state, officials point out that the project’s strategic location may also improve regional mobility, especially in areas currently lacking robust transport infrastructure. The tunnel passes through a region with hilly terrain and historically limited access, indicating a significant shift in logistical planning for the area.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai acknowledged the project’s completion as a step forward in enhancing inter-state connectivity and regional integration. According to NHAI, the tunnel construction was completed within a year despite geological challenges, and work continues on the remaining section of the twin-tube tunnel.
The project is being closely watched for its potential impact on trade routes in central and eastern India and is among several infrastructure projects currently underway in the region under central government programs.
Also Read: BSNL to Upgrade 4G Towers to 5G Within Eight Months: Union Minister Scindia
