The Odisha government’s plan to develop the 287-km Berhampur-Jeypore Expressway (BJEW) into a six-lane greenfield transport corridor faces significant challenges due to the rugged Eastern Ghats terrain. 

The project, part of a Rs 9,000 crore initiative, will also include parallel rail connectivity, but the alignment passes through nearly 230 km of hilly terrain, requiring an expansion of the right of way (RoW) from 80 mtrs. to 200 mtrs. This will increase forest land diversion, land acquisition, and engineering difficulties. Experts warn that the steep slopes could complicate rail operations, with some areas exceeding a one percent gradient. 

At a recent meeting, it was proposed to increase the RoW to 90 meters to allow for a utility corridor. “The railway component needs detailed design interventions,” experts noted.