The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed Konark–Bhubaneswar railway line, which will pass through Nimapada and Gop.
The approval marks a significant step toward preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this long-awaited rail corridor.
The initiative was strongly advocated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who had earlier written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting the inclusion of Nimapada and Gop in the alignment. These regions fall under her Assembly constituency and are known for their tourism potential and agricultural activity.
In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Parida expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Railway Minister, stating that the new railway line will not only connect Bhubaneswar, the state capital, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark, but also boost local economies, support farmers, and improve access to healthcare and education. She emphasized that the project will enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism across coastal Odisha.
I am deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw ji, for sanctioning the Final Location Survey for preparation of the DPR for the new railway line from Konark to Bhubaneswar via Nimapada and Gop. This long-awaited initiative will not only establish… pic.twitter.com/qFIkVnKfSK
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) September 20, 2025
The final location survey will be conducted in Nimapada and Gop, paving the way for the DPR and eventual construction. Once completed, the rail line is expected to transform travel and commerce in the region, linking cultural heritage with modern infrastructure.
