The Ministry of Railways has given the green light for the final location survey (FLS) of a new railway line connecting Jajpur Keonjhar Road and Dhamra Port in Bhadrak district. This 96-kilometre stretch will receive funding of Rs 240 million to conduct the survey.

The newly proposed railway line will cover significant religious and tourist destinations, including the Akhandalamani temple at Aradi Pitha, Navigaya at Birajakhetra, and Jajpur district headquarters town. It fulfills a long-standing demand of the people in the Jajpur and Bhadrak districts and will enhance connectivity to tourism spots in Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Bhadrak districts.

In addition to its tourism benefits, the proposed railway line will also facilitate the transportation of minerals from the Keonjhar district and finished products from the industrial belt in Jajpur and Angul districts to Dhamra Port, enhancing economic viability.

This initiative aligns with the vision of 'Purvoday' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has received support from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who advocated for the new railway line between Jajpur Keonjhar Road and Dhamra Port. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also pledged consideration for this proposed railway line during his visit to Jajpur and Bhadrak.