The Union Cabinet has approved the widening and strengthening of National Highway-326 in Odisha, a project with an outlay of Rs 1,526.21 crore. This upgrade will transform the existing two-lane road into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders along a 243.1 km stretch in the southern districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. The project aims to enhance connectivity, improve travel safety and speed, reduce vehicle operating costs, and stimulate economic and tourism growth in the region, particularly benefiting tribal and aspirational areas.