Berhampur, July 7 (UDN): Odisha’s railway infrastructure received a significant boost on Monday with the launch of two key passenger services—the Daily Berhampur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express and the new Puri–Koraput Express—aimed at improving connectivity within the State and with western India.
The two trains were flagged off by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during separate inauguration ceremonies held at Berhampur and Puri railway stations.
A major highlight of the announcement was the conversion of the Berhampur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express from a tri-weekly service into a daily train. The move addresses a long-standing demand from passengers, particularly the large number of migrant workers, traders, students and families travelling regularly between Odisha and Gujarat.
Connecting Berhampur with Surat, one of India’s leading textile and industrial hubs, the train also serves important destinations across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Railway officials believe the daily service will provide greater travel flexibility, reduce waiting periods and strengthen economic and social ties between the regions.
The newly introduced Puri–Koraput Express is expected to significantly improve intra-state rail connectivity by linking the coastal belt with western and southern Odisha. The train will pass through several important stations, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi, before reaching Koraput.
According to railway officials, the new service will enhance accessibility to tribal and interior districts, facilitate tourism to religious and scenic destinations, improve trade and business connectivity, and offer passengers a more convenient travel option across the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha is emerging as a key driver of India’s development and highlighted the Centre’s increased investment in the State’s railway sector.
“Odisha will serve as a growth engine for a developed India. The unprecedented investment in railway infrastructure will accelerate the State’s economic transformation and make Odisha more prosperous in the years ahead,“ he said.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of the Berhampur–Surat rail corridor, noting the strong social and economic ties between the two cities due to the large Odia population living and working in Surat.
“The Daily Berhampur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express will greatly benefit passengers travelling between the two regions. Berhampur Railway Station will also be transformed into a world-class station. The design has been finalised, Phase-I preparations are complete, and construction will commence soon after the groundbreaking ceremony,” the Minister said.
The launch of the two services is expected to ease passenger demand, improve regional mobility and strengthen Odisha’s integration with major economic centres, while reinforcing Indian Railways’ efforts to expand modern, accessible and inclusive rail connectivity across the country.