Bhubaneswar: A long-awaited dream of Odisha is set to move closer to reality as the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new railway line connecting Konark to Bhubaneswar via Nimapada and Gop.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who represents Nimapara constituency, expressed her gratitude to 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,” she wrote on X today.
Parida said the new line would significantly improve regional connectivity, boost tourism, and support the local economy. Farmers and small producers in the region are expected to benefit through easier access to markets, while residents will gain better connectivity to healthcare and educational institutions.
Highlighting the socio-economic potential of the project, she added that the initiative reflects the Railways Minister’s “pioneering vision and support” for Odisha’s development.
Once executed, the proposed railway line is expected to strengthen cultural tourism around Konark and Puri, while also easing travel between rural pockets of Puri district and the state capital.
