The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has achieved a key milestone in Chhattisgarh with the breakthrough of the state’s first national highway (NH) tunnel along the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor. The 2.79 km twin-tube tunnel stretch between the districts of Kanker and Kondagaon was completed in under 12 months. The twin-tube NH tunnel is a component of the NH-130CD project, which comprises a 464 km six-lane highway linking Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Raipur in Chhattisgarh.
The breakthrough has been achieved on the left-hand side, while excavation work for the right tunnel is ongoing. According to officials, vehicles will be able to use the left-hand side tunnel by March or April of 2026. By July or August 2026, the tunnel on the right will be operational. The corridor would reduce travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam once both are open, enabling quicker passage for people and goods. Additionally, the project will improve the efficiency of freight transportation and facilitate easier access to Andhra Pradesh’s ports. It is anticipated that the enhanced road system will boost industrial growth and trade between Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.