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Bhubaneswar: The number of families in Odisha undertaking same-day trips for purposes such as visiting temples and other religious places, shopping and seeking medical care has declined significantly over the past decade, according to the latest report published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
The Domestic Tourism in India report reveals that 73.2% of households in Odisha undertook at least one same-day trip during a 30-day period in 2014-15. The proportion fell to 54.9% in 2025-26.
In rural Odisha, the share of households undertaking such trips declined from 74.6% to 57.1%. In urban areas, the proportion dropped from 66.8% to 46.1%. The trend in Odisha is in sharp contrast to the national pattern. Across India, the proportion of households making same-day trips increased from 51.7% in 2014-15 to 58.2% in 2025-26.
At the national level, the share rose from 57.1% to 65.1% in rural areas and from 40.6% to 46.2% in urban areas. While Odisha was ahead of the national average a decade ago, it has now fallen below the countrywide figure.
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Economist Amarendra Dash attributed the decline partly to improved access to essential goods and services in rural areas. The wider availability of digital services, including online ticket booking, banking and e-governance, has reduced the need for people to travel to cities frequently.
However, same-day trips for tourism, religious activities and healthcare continue, he said.
The survey was conducted under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) between July 2025 and June 2026. It examined various aspects of same-day trips, including their purpose, mode of transport, accommodation arrangements and expenditure.
According to the 2014-15 survey, shopping accounted for 40% of same-day trips, followed by visits to friends and relatives at 31.4% and healthcare-related trips at 16.9%.
Decade of change
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