The Railway Board has given the green signal for the final location survey of the much-anticipated rail line connecting the historic town of Puri to the iconic destination of Konark in Odisha. This new 32 km-long railway line is poised to open up avenues of connectivity and tourism, with three new railway stations slated for construction along its path – Poratara, Bhinguradhia, and Konark.
According to insights gleaned from the detailed project report (DPR), this ambitious venture comes with an estimated price tag of Rs 491 crore. Envisioned to traverse three rivers – Nuanai, Dhanua, and Kushabhadra – and spanning across 37 villages, the rail route promises to become a vital artery for locals and tourists alike.
One of the key highlights of this project lies in its strategic connectivity to several cultural and heritage sites. Serving as a direct link to the world-renowned Konark Sun Temple and its accompanying museum, as well as the ASI Museum, Astaranga beach, Kuruma Buddhist site, and the revered Puri Jagannath Temple, this railway line is poised to enhance accessibility to these treasured landmarks.
Moreover, the route’s proximity to natural wonders such as Chandrabhaga beach, Puri sea beach, and Ramachandi mandir and sea beach further accentuates its potential to bolster tourism in the region.
Notably, the proposed railway line’s trajectory has undergone meticulous planning to ensure minimal environmental impact. Initial proposals via Ramachandi faced objections from the forest department due to concerns over wildlife sanctuaries. However, subsequent surveys in 2021 have charted a course that bypasses these sensitive areas, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation.
Furthermore, the strategic positioning of the Puri greenfield airport – located just 10 km from Puri station and a mere 45 km from the proposed Konark station – underscores the integrated approach towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.
With the final location survey underway and the DPR in hand, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the realisation of this transformative project, which promises to not only facilitate seamless connectivity but also unlock the immense tourism potential of Odisha’s cultural and natural heritage.