Centre Clears Survey for Bhubaneswar–Konark Railway Line via Nimapada, Gop

Bhubaneswar: A long-cherished demand of Odisha has inched closer to reality with the Ministry of Railways sanctioning the Final Location Survey (FLS) for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of a new railway line connecting Bhubaneswar to Konark via Nimapada and Gop.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who represents Nimapara, thanked Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the survey.

“This transformative project will not only establish a direct rail link between the state capital and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark, but also bring immense benefits to the people of Gop and Nimapada,” Parida said in a post on X.

She added that the line would boost regional connectivity, tourism and local economy, while farmers and small producers would gain easier market access. The project is also expected to improve connectivity to healthcare and educational institutions for residents of rural Puri district.

Parida further described the initiative as a reflection of the Railways Minister’s “pioneering vision and support” for Odisha’s development.

Once completed, the proposed railway line is expected to strengthen cultural tourism around Konark and Puri and ease travel between the region’s rural areas and the state capital.