Indian Railways has accelerated the development of the Puri–Konark rail line, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism across coastal Odisha.
The proposed 32-km greenfield rail corridor is set to become a key component of the state’s planned coastal rail triangle linking Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. The project, sanctioned by the Railway Board on February 19, 2024, was subsequently declared a Special Railway Project on March 7, 2024, and is being implemented under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone.
According to officials, the new rail link is expected to significantly enhance pilgrimage and tourism access by directly connecting two of Odisha’s most iconic destinations—the Jagannath Temple and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konark Sun Temple. Despite being located just 35 km apart along the Bay of Bengal coastline, the two towns currently lack direct rail connectivity.
Deepak Rout, Chief Public Relations Officer of ECoR, noted that the project will ease travel for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting the region annually, while also catalysing infrastructure development along the coastal belt.
Land acquisition for the project—spanning approximately 521 acres—is progressing alongside statutory approvals. Of the total land required, around 438.81 acres comprises private land across 36 villages, while 82.67 acres is government-owned land spread across 33 villages. Importantly, officials have confirmed that the alignment avoids forest land, addressing key environmental concerns in the ecologically sensitive coastal zone.
For the financial year 2026–27, an allocation of ₹138.38 crore has been earmarked to sustain construction and land acquisition momentum. Acquisition is being undertaken under the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008, with Section 20A notifications already issued in multiple villages across Puri and Gop tehsils.
Beyond improving connectivity, the rail line is expected to unlock tourism and economic potential in several underserved coastal villages along the route. Industry observers believe the project will play a pivotal role in strengthening Odisha’s positioning as a key spiritual and cultural tourism hub, while also supporting regional development through enhanced accessibility and infrastructure.