The Odisha government proposed to the East Coast Railway (ECoR) reconsidering the alignment of the proposed Puri-Konark new railway line to route it through Balukhand reserve forest with minimum ecological interference, contrary to the 32-km route approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year at an estimated cost of ₹492 crore.

The proposal was discussed at a review meeting chaired by development commissioner Anu Garg on September 23. The state government argued that minimal-impact designs could allow the railway to pass through the reserve forest and eco-sensitive zone without significant damage. The proposed new alignment would run along the coastline to provide scenic views and attract tourists to heritage sites.

ECoR was instructed to continue with the current 32.02-km alignment bypassing Balukhand reserve forest until decided otherwise. Additional options discussed include: a spur line from the main track to marine drive; metro rail, monorail, or cable car options for tourist connectivity between Puri and Konark; railway extension from Puri station to the Shree Jagannath International Airport (SJIA) at Sipasarubali via Malatipatapur for multi-modal airport connectivity; connectivity exploration for Astaranga port to the proposed Bhubaneswar-Konark line; and development of nearby stations like Konark as satellite stations and coaching depots to manage Rath Yatra congestion at Puri station.

ECoR general manager Parmeshwar Funkwal cautioned that further alignment modifications could delay the project timeline.