The Puri-Konark rail line project is advancing as Indian Railways progresses with the implementation of this long-awaited coastal connectivity initiative in Odisha. Spanning 32 kilometres, the railway line aims to link Puri’s Jagannath Temple with the Konark Sun Temple, both of which are among the state’s most frequented tourist attractions. This development is anticipated to streamline travel for tourists and pilgrims, significantly reducing their reliance on road transport for traversing between these two prominent towns.

Moreover, the railway line is an integral part of a comprehensive coastal railway network designed to connect Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. The Railway Board provided approval for the project in February 2024, subsequently designating it as a Special Railway Project, thus underscoring its priority within the broader context of infrastructural development in the region.

Land Acquisition Process Underway

The East Coast Railway has commenced the land acquisition process required for the construction of the Puri-Konark railway line. Approximately 521.48 acres of land is slated for acquisition under this project. Of this total, about 438.81 acres constitutes private land, distributed across 36 villages, while 82.67 acres is government land located in 33 villages. Officials have confirmed that no forest land is expected to be affected by the construction activities.

For the financial year 2026-27, the project has been allocated Rs 138.38 crore, which will facilitate land acquisition and various construction tasks. The acquisition procedure is being conducted in accordance with the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008. Notifications have been disseminated throughout multiple villages in the Puri and Gop tehsils, signalling the commencement of this vital process.

The notifications in Puri tehsil affect nine villages and cover 108.43 acres. In Gop tehsil, the process encompasses 24 villages and approximately 242.14 acres of land. This strategic planning aims to efficiently manage the land acquisition while ensuring minimal disruption to the local communities.

Anticipated Economic Benefits

The Puri-Konark rail line project is expected to significantly enhance tourism and business activities along the coastal regions of Odisha. By providing a direct travel route between the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konark Sun Temple, it is anticipated that the new railway corridor will attract a higher volume of visitors to the area.

In addition to bolstering tourism, the railway line is poised to benefit local economies in the smaller villages situated between Puri and Konark by facilitating improved access and mobility. This infrastructure development is likely to encourage economic growth and create new opportunities for residents in these communities.

Notably, officials have meticulously planned the railway alignment to avoid forest areas and ecologically sensitive zones near the Balukhand sanctuary, a consideration that had previously hindered earlier proposals for the route. This careful planning reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability while advancing the state’s infrastructure objectives.

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