In a significant move, the Odisha government has proposed that the East Coast Railway (ECoR) reconsider the alignment of the proposed Puri–Konark new railway line and explore an alternative route along the coastline to offer a scenic experience for tourists.

The proposal marks a major shift from the plan approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had cleared the 32-km railway line last year, designed to bypass the Balukhand Reserve Forest and its eco-sensitive zone to prevent environmental damage. The project was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 4.92 billion.

The suggestion for a new alignment was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg on 23 September. According to the minutes of the meeting, the state government believes that minimal-impact engineering designs could allow the railway to pass through the reserve forest area without causing significant ecological harm.

“Change the alignment and route the track through Balukhand Reserve Forest with minimum interference, aligning it with the existing marine drive road,” read one of the key decisions recorded in the meeting minutes.

Until a final decision is taken, the ECoR has been instructed to continue with the original 32.02 km alignment, beginning at Puri and ending at Konark, bypassing the Balukhand forest area.

Officials also discussed the possibility of creating a spur line branching off from the main route, designed for tourist-oriented train services along the marine drive. Additional transport options such as a metro rail, monorail, or cable car system are being explored to enhance tourist connectivity between the two UNESCO heritage destinations.

The Development Commissioner emphasised that linking heritage and eco-tourism hubs through new railway lines should serve as a model for heritage-based transport planning, with the Puri–Konark project as a pilot example.

Given that the upcoming Shree Jagannath International Airport (SJIA) in Puri will be located in Sipasarubali, officials have also proposed extending the railway network from the existing Puri station to SJIA via Malatipatapur, creating a multi-modal transport corridor connecting rail and air travel.

Among other decisions, authorities will explore linking the Astaranga Port to the proposed Bhubaneswar–Konark line, for which the final location survey has recently been sanctioned. Plans were also discussed to develop Konark and nearby stations as satellite terminals or coaching depots to decongest Puri station, especially during the annual Rath Yatra festival.

During the meeting, ECoR General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal briefed officials on the project’s progress but cautioned that any major modification to the alignment—especially if the line is rerouted through the Balukhand Reserve Forest—could delay the project’s completion timeline.

If implemented, the coastal alignment could significantly enhance Odisha’s image as a heritage and eco-tourism destination, combining improved transport infrastructure with sustainable tourism development.