Bhubaneswar, Sep 6: In a major infrastructure push, the Odisha government has approved the construction of a new Greenfield Corridor connecting Pipili to Konark, aimed at drastically reducing travel time and boosting tourism and connectivity in the region.

The decision was finalized during a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

The proposed corridor will span 40 kilometers, feature a four-lane highway, and allow vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h, cutting the current travel time from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes.

In addition to the new corridor, the existing Pipili–Konark road will be widened from 7 meters to 10 meters to accommodate increased traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The dual approach — upgrading the old route and building a new high-speed corridor — is expected to ease congestion and improve access to the iconic Konark Sun Temple.

The corridor will be 200 feet wide, and land acquisition is set to begin once environmental and administrative clearances are secured. The project is part of a broader plan to enhance road infrastructure across Puri district, including the development of four-lane roads from Charichhak to Astarang and Jalarpur to Charichhak, as well as upgrades to several urban stretches in Puri city.

Officials emphasized that the corridor will not only improve travel efficiency but also support local economic growth, tourism, and regional development. Surveys and design work have already commenced, signalling swift progress on the ground.