Bhubaneswar: In a significant announcement, Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, revealed that the long-awaited Puri-Konark Rail Line has received the official nod from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. A sanctioned budget of ₹492 Crores has been allocated for the construction of this 32-kilometer rail line, fulfilling a public aspiration.
Addressing the media in Bhubaneswar, Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that the project has received approval, and funds are readily available. The initiation of work on this project is contingent upon acquiring the necessary land for rail line construction, which requires a total of 217 acres. Shri Vaishnaw urged the State Government to extend its cooperation in expediting the land acquisition process.
Once operational, the Puri-Konark Rail Line is poised to boost Spiritual, Heritage, and Coastal Tourism. The rail line will feature Vistadome-like train services, connecting the iconic Konark Sun Temple with the revered Shri Jagannath Temple. The trains traversing this route will promote Jagannath culture, and the Railways plans to establish 4 to 5 tourist hubs along this rail line. Collaborating with the Jagannath Temple Administration, the Railways aims to enhance the promotion of Jagannath culture within the rail section.
In addition to this landmark announcement, Shri Vaishnaw shared that 409 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) have been constructed in Odisha over the past decade, with 220 ROBs & RUBs currently in progress in the State.
During the event, Shri Vaishnaw also launched five Commemorative Postage Stamps showcasing Legendary Poets of Odisha and the Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha. The inauguration took place through a video conference from Bhubaneswar, where the Minister also inaugurated 42 Branch Post Offices across seven districts of Western Odisha. Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, graced the function held at Biju Patnaik Auditorium, Sambalpur University, Burla, marking the momentous occasion.
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