In a significant infrastructure project of the Raipur-Vishakhapatnam economic corridor, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the 2.79-kilometre construction of a long tunnel in Chhattisgarh, as per the official information said on Sunday. This project completion takes overall 12 months.
This tunnel is a part of the state’s first national highway tunnel. This tunnel passes below the hills alongside the border of two districts in Chhattisgarh, namely Kanker and Kondagaon, adjoining Odisha, they said.
The left-hand side tunnel is finished, and work on the tunnel on the other side is expected to be done by the end of this year, an NHAI official said.
The left tunnel is planned for operation by next year in March and April. The completion and full operation of the right tunnel by next year in July-August, he said.
Raipur-Visakhapatnam economic corridor
The 464-km Raipur-Visakhapatnam economic corridor six-lane NH-130CD is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam, boosting trade, industry, and connectivity between Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, he said.
”NHAI achieves breakthrough of Chhattisgarh’s first National Highway tunnel (left-hand side) in just 12 months! #NHAI achieved a key milestone with the successful breakthrough of the 2.79 km long Left Hand Side Twin-Tube National Highway Tunnel of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor (NH-130CD),” the statutory body said in a post on X (formerly X).
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the tunnel is a major step toward a stronger and more developed Chhattisgarh.
He noted that good roads and transport are key to the state’s growth, and the tunnel will boost tourism and connect people socially and economically.
He thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the NHAI team, adding that the project supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India and will benefit future generations.
