Railways Accelerate Puri-Konark Rail Line Project to Enhance Coastal Odisha Connectivity

New 32-km rail corridor to strengthen pilgrimage and tourism linkages between Puri and Konark, fostering regional development along Odisha’s coastline.

The Ministry of Railways has expedited the development of the Puri-Konark rail line, a strategic infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity along Odisha’s coastal region. This new rail link, spanning approximately 32 kilometres, is poised to become a vital segment of the proposed coastal rail triangle connecting Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. The project aims to facilitate seamless travel for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting two of Odisha’s most iconic heritage sites—the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark.

Sanctioned by the Railway Board in February 2024 and subsequently designated as a Special Railway Project in March 2024, the Puri-Konark rail line is being implemented under the administrative jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone. This designation underscores the project’s significance in enhancing regional rail infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism growth along the Bay of Bengal coast.

Currently, despite the proximity of Puri and Konark—separated by a distance of roughly 35 kilometres—there is no direct rail connection between these two important cultural and religious destinations. The new greenfield corridor will address this gap, offering a direct and efficient transit option that is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve accessibility for visitors.

The project’s alignment traverses the tehsils of Puri and Gop, requiring the acquisition of approximately 521.48 acres of land. Of this, 438.81 acres comprise private land distributed across 36 villages, while 82.67 acres constitute government land across 33 villages. Importantly, the proposed route has been carefully planned to avoid any forest land, thereby mitigating environmental concerns and preserving the ecological sensitivity of the coastal region.

Land acquisition is progressing in accordance with the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008, with the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition issuing the necessary statutory notifications to initiate formal proceedings. In Puri tehsil, notifications have been issued for nine villages covering 108.43 acres, and in Gop tehsil, for twenty-four villages encompassing 242.14 acres. These measures ensure compliance with legal frameworks while facilitating timely project advancement.

For the financial year 2026-27, the Ministry of Railways has allocated a substantial budgetary provision of Rs 138.38 crore to sustain construction activities and expedite land acquisition efforts. This financial commitment reflects the project’s priority status and the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure connectivity in Odisha’s coastal belt.

Beyond improving pilgrimage access, the Puri-Konark rail line is expected to serve as a catalyst for broader socio-economic development in the region. The enhanced connectivity is anticipated to stimulate tourism infrastructure growth in the intervening coastal villages, many of which have historically experienced limited economic activity. Improved rail access is likely to attract investment, generate employment opportunities, and foster inclusive development in these communities.

The project aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategic objectives of expanding the rail network to underserved regions, promoting sustainable transport solutions, and supporting regional economic growth. By integrating key cultural landmarks within a cohesive rail corridor, the initiative exemplifies the role of rail infrastructure in advancing both heritage tourism and regional development.

As the Puri-Konark rail line progresses through various stages of statutory approvals and construction, it represents a significant milestone in Odisha’s transport landscape. Upon completion, the corridor will not only enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors but also contribute to the state’s vision of leveraging its rich cultural assets to drive economic prosperity.

In summary, the accelerated implementation of the Puri-Konark rail line project underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to strengthening connectivity in coastal Odisha. By bridging critical gaps in the rail network and fostering sustainable development, the project is set to become a transformative infrastructure asset for the region.