Odisha’s Pipili–Konark Greenfield Corridor To Make Tourist Travel Faster

In a move set to significantly ease travel in Puri district, the Odisha government has approved a new road project that will reduce the journey between Pipili and Konark from an hour and a half to just 30 minutes. The plan for the greenfield corridor was finalised during a recent high-level meeting focused on improving regional connectivity. The review session, held on Friday, was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, with Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan also in attendance.In Half The TimeStretching across 40 km of coastal Odisha, the new highway is set to reshape travel between Pipili and Konark. Designed as a four-lane expressway, the corridor will measure approximately 200 ft in width and promises smooth, uninterrupted travel at speeds reaching 100 km/h—a dramatic shift from the current route. At the planning meeting, Parida shared that preliminary design work is already underway.Plans are in place to widen the current stretch from seven to ten metres, easing bottlenecks and complementing the proposed high-speed corridor. Together, the two routes are expected to reduce congestion, improve access to the iconic Sun Temple, and strengthen overall connectivity across the region.Revamp Of Inner Puri Roads On The HorizonAt the meeting, several road improvement schemes across Puri district were also discussed in detail. Proposals include expanding key stretches such as the road linking Taj to Jagannath Stadium—which, according to reports, is now set to become a four-lane thoroughfare.Surveys are also scheduled for a number of important inner-city routes. Among them are Chaitanya Road to Balisahi, the approach to the Jagannath Temple via Dolamandap Sahi, and the section from Jhadeshwari Club to Medical Chhak—all vital links in the town’s intricate transport web.Further south, in the Nimapara constituency, two new four-lane roads are on the drawing board: one connecting Charichhak to Astarang, and another running between Jalarpur and Charichhak. Both are aimed at easing local travel and supporting future development in the area.FAQsWhat is the purpose of the new road projects in Puri district?The projects aim to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity to key destinations like the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple, and support tourism and regional development.What is the Pipili–Konark greenfield corridor?It’s a new 40-km, four-lane highway being developed to reduce travel time between Pipili and Konark from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes.Will the existing Pipili–Konark road also be upgraded?Yes, the existing road will be widened from 7 to 10 m to complement the new corridor and handle increased traffic, especially during tourist seasons.Which roads in Puri town are being upgraded?Key stretches include the road from Taj International to Jagannath Stadium, which will become a four-lane road. Other routes like Chaitanya Road to Balisahi and Dolamandap Sahi are also under survey for improvements.Are there any new roads planned outside Puri town?Yes, in the Nimapara constituency, two four-lane roads are planned: one from Charichhak to Astarang and another between Jalarpur and Charichhak.How will these projects benefit tourists and locals?The improved roads will reduce travel times, improve safety, ease festival and seasonal congestion, and make historic and religious sites more accessible.When will the corridor be completed?The project has been approved in 2025, with construction timelines expected to be announced soon.Through Tides And Mangroves: Inside Bhitarkanika National Park, The Wild Heart Of Odisha