Odisha Unveils Fast-Track Corridor to Konark, Aiming at Tourism and Regional Growth
New 40-km greenfield highway to reduce Pipili–Konark travel to 30 minutes, while boosting heritage access and local economy
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government has cleared a landmark road infrastructure project designed to transform connectivity in Puri district. The proposed four-lane greenfield corridor between Pipili and Konark will reduce travel time from nearly one-and-a-half hours to just half an hour, offering a modern gateway to one of India’s most iconic heritage destinations — the Sun Temple.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday, the state finalised the blueprint for the ambitious highway. Planned as a 40-km stretch with a width of 200 feet, the road will allow vehicles to cruise at speeds of up to 100 kmph.
“The design process has already begun. Once environmental and administrative clearances are secured, land acquisition will start,” the Deputy CM announced, stressing the project’s role in improving mobility for both tourists and local commuters.
The existing Pipili–Konark road, which struggles with congestion during peak tourist seasons and major cultural events, will also be widened from seven to ten metres. Together, the projects are expected to create a dual advantage — easing local traffic and strengthening Odisha’s appeal as a cultural and tourism hub.
Konark, home to the 13th-century Sun Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has long demanded smoother access for visitors. During Rath Yatra and other high-footfall periods, bottlenecks on the current route often frustrate travellers and slow down economic activity in surrounding areas.
Officials said the new highway is more than a transport solution. It is envisioned as a catalyst for heritage tourism, connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri with Konark in a seamless circuit. Hospitality, handicrafts, and small businesses in the region are expected to benefit from increased tourist inflows once the corridor is operational.
“The project is not just about speed; it’s about creating opportunities for the local economy and preserving Odisha’s global cultural identity,” said a senior Works Department officer.
The Pipili–Konark corridor was only one highlight of the review meeting. The government has mapped out several parallel road projects across Puri and Nimapara constituencies to create a district-wide upgrade in connectivity.
In Puri town, the road from Taj International to Jagannath Stadium will be expanded into a four-lane thoroughfare. Surveys will soon begin on multiple key stretches — Chaitanya Road to Balisahi leading to Jagannath Temple, Dolamandap Sahi Road, and the Jhadeshwari Club to Medical Chhak route. These plans are directly tied to managing pilgrim crowds more efficiently, particularly during major festivals at the Jagannath Temple.
In Nimapara, meanwhile, a four-lane road between Charichhak and Astarang has been proposed, as well as another link from Jalarpur to Charichhak. Both will serve as vital connectors for trade, fisheries, and tourism activities in coastal Odisha.
While the projects signal a forward leap for the state, officials acknowledge that land acquisition and environmental safeguards will be crucial. The proposed corridor passes through semi-rural areas, where balancing development with agricultural and community interests is a sensitive task.
Deputy CM Parida assured that adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures will be taken wherever necessary. “We are committed to ensuring that infrastructure growth uplifts, rather than displaces, local livelihoods,” she said.
This announcement comes at a time when Odisha is making rapid strides in its transport infrastructure. Alongside road upgrades, the state is advancing plans for a new terminal at Bhubaneswar Airport and preparing for the launch of Puri’s upcoming Jagannath International Airport. Together, these projects reflect a comprehensive vision to position Odisha as a global tourist and investment destination.
For the people of Puri district, the greenfield corridor offers the promise of shorter journeys, safer travel, and new avenues for trade and tourism. For Odisha, it signals a larger story — a state accelerating towards modernisation while holding firm to its cultural roots.
