Odisha Clears Fast-Track Corridor to Konark
Travel time from Pipili to Sun Temple to drop from 90 to 30 minutes
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government has cleared a major road project that promises to transform travel to one of the state’s most iconic heritage destinations. A 40-kilometre greenfield corridor between Pipili and Konark will soon cut travel time from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes, easing congestion and opening new opportunities for tourism.
The plan was finalised at a review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. Designed as a four-lane highway with a width of 200 feet, the road will allow vehicles to travel at speeds up to 100 kmph. Land acquisition will begin once necessary clearances are secured, officials said.
The existing Pipili–Konark road, which faces heavy congestion during tourist seasons and major festivals, will also be widened from seven to ten metres. Together, both projects are expected to strengthen connectivity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sun Temple and ease travel for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The government is also planning parallel projects across Puri district. In Puri town, the road from Taj International to Jagannath Stadium will be upgraded to four lanes, while surveys will be carried out on routes leading to the Jagannath Temple, including Chaitanya Road to Balisahi and Dolamandap Sahi Road.
In Nimapara constituency, a four-lane road from Charichhak to Astarang and another from Jalarpur to Charichhak have been proposed to support trade and tourism in coastal areas.
Deputy CM Parida stressed that land acquisition will be handled with care and proper compensation. Officials see the corridor as not just a travel shortcut but a catalyst for heritage tourism, local businesses, and Odisha’s broader push to modernise infrastructure while preserving cultural roots.
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