Chhatrapur: A four-lane marine drive will soon be constructed along the coastal stretch of Sunapur-Gopalpur in Ganjam district, a detailed project report (DPR) of which is being prepared, officials said. The proposed marine drive is expected to boost the district’s economy by enhancing trade, commerce, and business infrastructure.
Additionally, it will attract investments, promote tourism, create employment opportunities, and support the growth of local enterprises and industries. The road will also play a crucial role in disaster management by providing a safe evacuation route for coastal residents during natural calamities like cyclones and floods. With this new connectivity, the distance between Berhampur and Puri will be reduced by around 60 km, said sources.
Ganjam district administration and the southern circle of Roads and Buildings (R&B) department have initiated the DPR preparation. A consultancy firm has been chosen in this regard through a tender. The firm will oversee the DPR preparation, apart from providing assistance in land acquisition, monitoring, forest clearance, environmental clearance, and coastal regulation clearance. It will also constitute a specialised team comprising engineers and subject matter experts. Significantly, Sunapur and Gopalpur are located along the coastline, making the marine drive a strategic addition.
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Moreover, plans are under consideration to extend the proposed coastal highway from Gopalpur to Digha via Sunapur. Berhampur MP Pradeep Panigrahi has submitted a letter to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, urging their support in this connection. Panigrahi expressed optimism that the construction of the marine drive will commence soon. “The road is set to attract a significant number of tourists to the region,” he said.
