Indian Railways has accelerated work on the proposed Puri-Konark rail line project aimed at strengthening connectivity and infrastructure development along coastal Odisha.
The new rail corridor is expected to become a vital component of Odisha’s proposed coastal rail triangle linking Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, significantly improving access for pilgrims and tourists visiting the region’s major religious and heritage destinations.
Rail Project Declared Special Railway Project
According to officials, the Railway Board sanctioned the Puri-Konark rail line on February 19, 2024. The project was later declared a Special Railway Project on March 7, 2024, underscoring its strategic importance.
The project is being implemented under the administrative jurisdiction of East Coast Railway (ECoR).
Deepak Rout, Chief Public Relations Officer of ECoR, said the proposed 32-km greenfield rail corridor would directly connect Jagannath Temple with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konark Sun Temple.
Although Puri and Konark are separated by only around 35 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal coast, the two destinations currently lack direct railway connectivity.
Boost for Pilgrimage and Tourism Connectivity
Officials said the new rail line is expected to greatly improve pilgrimage travel and tourism movement in the region by offering a faster and more convenient transport option for millions of visitors.
The corridor is also expected to stimulate tourism infrastructure and economic activities in several coastal villages located along the alignment, many of which have witnessed limited development so far.
The rail link is being viewed as a major infrastructure initiative that could strengthen Odisha’s tourism economy while enhancing regional connectivity.
Land Acquisition and Funding Progress Underway
Railway authorities stated that land acquisition and statutory clearance processes are progressing simultaneously to maintain project momentum.
For the financial year 2026-27, a budget allocation of Rs 138.38 crore has been earmarked for construction activities and land acquisition.
The project requires acquisition of approximately 521.48 acres of land across Puri and Gop tehsils. Of this, around 438.81 acres are private land spread across 36 villages, while 82.67 acres are government land across 33 villages.
Officials clarified that no forest land is involved in the project, addressing environmental concerns linked to the ecologically sensitive coastal region.
Notifications Issued Across Villages
Land acquisition is being carried out under the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008. The Competent Authority for Land Acquisition has already issued Section 20A notifications to formally initiate acquisition proceedings.
In Puri tehsil, notifications have been issued for nine villages covering 108.43 acres. In Gop tehsil, notifications cover 24 villages involving 242.14 acres.
Railway officials said the alignment has been strategically planned to avoid forest areas while ensuring smoother implementation of the coastal connectivity project.
