In what seems to be no less than good news, Odisha’s iconic Konark Sun Temple will get a direct railway link to the capital, Bhubaneswar. The Ministry of Railways has recently approved the final location survey (FLS) for a proposed Konark-Bhubaneswar railway line. Currently, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to travel between the two regions and cover 60 km by road. With the new railway line in the future, both tourists and locals can easily travel between Konark and Bhubaneswar.
Odisha To Get New Railway Link Connecting Konark To Bhubaneswar
As per a report by The New Indian Express, the Ministry of Railways recently approved the FLS for a direct railway link between Konark and Bhubaneswar. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the FLS for the new railway line between the two regions is approved, and the route will traverse through Nimapara and Gop. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had given this proposal in writing to the authorities.
The deputy CM requested the Union Minister to extend permission to develop railway connectivity in Puri district. The railway connectivity will be helpful for people residing in Nimapara and Gop blocks in Puri. The new railway line will have a dual purpose. Apart from increasing connectivity between Konark Sun Temple and Bhubaneswar, it will also promote economic and tourism activities. The two blocks fall under Parida’s Assembly constituency.
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A Move To Boost Economy & Tourism
Sources revealed to TNIE that the new Konark-Bhubaneswar railway line will be built in addition to the new Puri-Konark line spanning 32 km. This was sanctioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. The Puri-Konark railway line will be developed at a cost of about ₹492 crore. It will bypass the Balukhand sanctuary and the eco-sensitive zone. Moreover, it will be completed within two years of its commencement.
The report by TNIE mentions that this ambitious railway project will be profitable and viable if the proposed port at Astranga is taken up in its alignment. Only after the FLS, can the final alignment of the proposed Konak-Bhubaneswar line be ascertained. The deptu CM thanked the Railway minister for sanctioning this survey. She expressed that this new direct railway link will connect the Odisha capital to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will also greatly benefit the people of Nimapara and Gop.
She expressed that the new line will support farmers, boost local economies and also offer easy healthcare and education to residents. The regional connectivity fostered by the direct railway link between Konark and Bhubaneswar will have lasting benefits for its people.
Travellers, are you excited to welcome this upcoming railway project?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/LoggaWiggler and PG-1973
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First Published: September 21, 2025 3:59 PM