Bhubaneswar: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district will get railway connectivity soon. The proposed Jajpur Road-Dhamra railway line has been designed to traverse through Bhitarkanika, a report said.

The line will pass through Chhotaraipur, Rampur Segadi, Bahabalpur, Jajpur Town, Jaleswarpur, Saipura, Mangalpur, Aradi, Chandabali and Bhitarkanika stations, the report said quoting Railway sources.

The Final Location Survey for this 95-km line, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 2.4 crore last year, is currently in progress from both ends. It is likely to conclude by March. The survey report will be submitted in April for approval. Upon approval, the subsequent steps for the detailed project report and final approval will commence.

Originally sanctioned in 2012-13, the project gained momentum after being prioritized by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Expected to reduce the distance between Jajpur Road and Dhamra by 13 km, the project is anticipated to benefit around 30 lakh people in three districts. Moreover, it will provide crucial rail connectivity to Bhitarkanika.

Once integrated with the railway network, the national park will become a major attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts.