The long-awaited elevated corridor on National Highway 53 (NH-53) at Ainthapali in Odisha’s Sambalpur city is expected to be completed by December 2026, according to an official statement on Wednesday.

Prem Sahu, Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Sambalpur, confirmed that the construction is progressing at a rapid pace. “If everything proceeds according to schedule, the construction is likely to be completed by December next year,” he said.

The elevated corridor will be a six-lane structure with a width of 14.5 meters, spanning a total length of 3.44 kilometers, including a 1.2-kilometer flyover section. The project will significantly enhance the traffic movement in the city, as NH-53 covers around 12 kilometers through Sambalpur.

The corridor is expected to ease congestion and improve connectivity in the region, benefiting commuters and reducing travel time. Authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to complete the project within the stipulated timeline.