India Bets Big with $1.8 Billion on Odisha’s Travel Sector to Elevate Tourism

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Sunday that the Indian government has planned a massive investment of approximately $11.92 billion (Rs 1 lakh crore) to boost railway infrastructure in Odisha, a key element of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Purvodaya vision for the development of India’s eastern region and to boost leisure and business travel.

During a press briefing, Vaishnaw highlighted that projects worth around $8.5 billion (Rs 70,000 crore) have already been sanctioned to enhance the state’s connectivity and further boost leisure and business travel. With 40 projects covering 4,017 km and costing approximately $6.5 billion (Rs 54,434 crore), the state is set to see significant improvements in its railway network, designed to facilitate and boost leisure and business travel across Odisha.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, recently approved eight major projects totaling $3 billion (Rs 24,657 crore), with Odisha standing to benefit significantly from six of these projects, valued at approximately $1.8 billion (Rs 15,004 crore). The Union Minister emphasized that all new and ongoing projects in the state will be accelerated to ensure timely completion.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for the approval of the six new railway lines, which are collectively worth over $1.8 billion (Rs 15,004 crore). In a video conference with Vaishnaw, Majhi assured that the state government would extend full cooperation, particularly in expediting land acquisition for these projects.

The newly sanctioned railway lines in Odisha include:

• Gunupur-Therubali: 73.62 km, costing approximately $160 million (Rs 1,326 crore).
• Junagarh Road-Nabarangpur: 116.21 km, costing approximately $395 million (Rs 3,274 crore).
• Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam): 173.61 km, costing approximately $495 million (Rs 4,109 crore).
• Badampahar-Keonjhar: 82.06 km, costing approximately $255 million (Rs 2,107 crore).
• Bangriposi-Gorumahisani: 85.6 km, costing approximately $310 million (Rs 2,549 crore).
• Buramara-Chakulia: 59.96 km, costing approximately $200 million (Rs 1,639 crore).

These six projects will directly impact six districts—Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj—by enhancing railway connectivity in these regions to boost leisure and business travel. The development will result in the construction of 64 new stations across six aspirational districts, providing railway access to 510 villages and a population of approximately 4 million, further boosting leisure and business travel.

These essential routes will facilitate the transportation of key commodities, including agricultural products, fertilizers, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, bauxite, limestone, aluminum, granite, ballast, and containers, while also supporting efforts to boost leisure and business travel. Additionally, the capacity augmentation will lead to an increase in freight traffic by an estimated 143 million tonnes per annum.

With these strategic investments to boost leisure and business travel, Odisha is poised to witness a significant boost in its tourism sector, positioning itself as a major travel destination in India’s eastern region.

Odisha’s Cultural Richness and Major Tourist Attractions

Odisha – formerly known as Orissa – is a state steeped in rich and distinctive cultural heritage. Its coastal plains boast the highest concentration of historical and religious monuments, making them prime tourist attractions. Among these is Puri, home to the renowned Jagannath Temple and the awe-inspiring Rath Yatra procession, which draws devotees from all over the world. Puri uniquely blends the intense spirituality of a Hindu pilgrimage site with the relaxing allure of its beaches. Further along the coast, Konark is famous for the ruins of its grand medieval temple, celebrated for its intricate and exquisitely preserved sculptures, including some with bold erotic themes. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known for its ancient rock-cut caves and temples, reflecting its past as the seat of a powerful kingdom that once extended from the Ganges delta to the River Godavari.

Major Tourism Cities in Odisha

Odisha is dotted with cities that offer a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty:

• Bhubaneswar: The state capital, known as the “Temple City,” is famous for its ancient temples, including the Lingaraj Temple, and its well-preserved cultural heritage.
• Cuttack: Known as the “Millennium City,” Cuttack is renowned for its historic landmarks, including the Barabati Fort and the Odisha Maritime Museum.
• Sambalpur: Famous for its traditional handloom textiles and the majestic Hirakud Dam, Sambalpur offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.
• Balasore: A coastal city known for its scenic beauty and religious sites, including the Chandipur Beach, where the sea recedes up to 5 km during low tide.
• Bhadrak: This city is rich in history and is known for the Bhadrakali Temple and the tranquil Baitarani River.
• Puri: Apart from its spiritual significance, Puri is also a beach destination, offering a perfect combination of pilgrimage and leisure.

These cities not only showcase Odisha’s cultural and historical depth but also provide a gateway to explore the state’s diverse and vibrant traditions.

Major Tourist Attractions in Odisha

• Jagannath Temple: One of the most revered Hindu temples, located in Puri, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It’s the site of the famous Rath Yatra, where millions of devotees gather annually.
• Panchalingeswar Temple: Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, this temple is a serene spot where five Shiva lingams are worshipped. The surrounding natural beauty adds to its spiritual ambiance.
• Ghanteswari Temple: Located near Sambalpur, this temple is unique for its numerous bells that devotees tie after their wishes are fulfilled. It’s also a place of natural beauty, overlooking the Mahanadi River.
• Kuruma: An ancient Buddhist site near Konark, Kuruma is known for its archaeological significance, with remnants of a monastery and sculptures of Buddha and Avalokiteshvara.
• Langudi: A lesser-known yet significant Buddhist site, Langudi offers insights into the early history of Buddhism in Odisha, with rock-cut stupas and inscriptions.

Festivals in Odisha

• Makar Mela: This festival sees pilgrims flocking to a small island in Chilika Lake to make votive offerings to the goddess Kali in a sacred cave. The festival is marked by devotion and a deep connection with nature.
• Adivasis Mela: Held in Bhubaneswar, this “tribal” fair is a unique mix of cultural exhibition and entertainment. Although it has elements of a traditional agricultural show, it also features live music and tribal dances, providing a glimpse into the rich traditions of Odisha’s indigenous communities.
• Panashankranti: On the first day of Vaisakha, in various regions of Odisha, saffron-clad penitents carrying peacock feathers enter trances and walk on hot coals as part of their spiritual practice. This festival is a vibrant expression of faith and endurance.
• Chaitra Parba: In Mayurbhanj district, the Santals, Odisha’s largest tribal group, perform the dynamic Chhou dance during this festival. It’s a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional martial arts.
• Magha Saptami: During the full moon of Magha, thousands of worshippers gather at Chandrabhaga beach near Konark to honor Surya, the sun god. The small pool at the beach is believed to have healing properties, especially for skin ailments, drawing devotees from far and wide.

Convention Centre in Odisha:

Odisha State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhavan

Located in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Convention Centre at Loka Seva Bhavan is a modern facility designed to host large-scale conferences, seminars, and events. It serves as a hub for governmental and corporate gatherings, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and a spacious auditorium.

S ‘O’ A University Convention Hall

The S ‘O’ A University Convention Hall, situated within the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University campus in Bhubaneswar, is a premier venue for academic conferences, cultural events, and ceremonies. Known for its excellent acoustics and seating capacity, it is a preferred choice for educational institutions and organizations in the region.

Grand Lumbini Convention

The Grand Lumbini Convention is a prominent event space located in Odisha, offering a luxurious setting for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. With its grand architecture and comprehensive facilities, it is a favored venue for both local and international events.