Odisha seeks new ‘scenic’ alignment for Rs 492 crore Puri-Konark rail line, mulls metro-like facilities

In a move that goes against the Centre’s originally approved plans, the Odisha government has asked the East Coast Railway (ECoR) to reconsider the alignment of the proposed Puri–Konark new railway line.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the Odisha government has reportedly asked ECoR to explore a route passing through the Balukhand reserve forest to provide a scenic coastal experience for tourists.

State Pushes For Coastal Connectivity

Reports stated that the proposal, discussed at a review meeting chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg on September 23, marks a shift from the alignment earlier approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 32-km project, sanctioned last year at an estimated cost of Rs 492 crore, had been designed to bypass the Balukhand reserve forest and its eco-sensitive zone to avoid environmental disruption.

However, the Odisha government has stressed that aligning the rail line with the existing marine drive road would enhance the tourist appeal of the route and would require minimal engineering decisions.

The ECoR has, however, been directed to continue with the original alignment until a final decision is reached.

The state government is also reportedly discussing creating a spur line from the main Puri–Konark route with a specialised tourist train service along the marine drive, and potential options such as a metro rail, monorail, or even a cable car system to strengthen connectivity between the two heritage destinations.

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Part Of Wider Rail Connectivity Push

The proposal comes amid a wider expansion of railway infrastructure across Odisha. In northern Odisha, land acquisition has begun for the Rs 1,639-crore Budhamara–Chakulia line in Mayurbhanj district, while surveys are ongoing for other sanctioned routes such as Badampahar–Keonjhar and Bangiriposi–Gorumahisani.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a recent meeting with Odisha MPs in New Delhi, said the state has received record allocations in the last decade, with projects worth over Rs 80,000 crore covering new lines, double lines, and third/fourth line expansions.