Bhubaneswar: Union Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s efforts have resulted in the extension of the ‘Gorakhpur Hatia – Gorakhpur Maurya Express’ service to Sambalpur, facilitating improved passenger facilities for districts like Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh.
The Union Railways Ministry has approved Pradhan’s proposal for the extension, acknowledging the need to cater to the people of the region. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 4 lakh people, including a significant population from Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh residing in western Odisha.
Pradhan, in his letters dated December 9, 2022, and January 3, 2024, emphasized the challenges faced by the residents in reaching their native places due to the absence of a direct train. Sambalpur alone houses about 1.5 lakh people from Bihar and East UP.
In response to Pradhan’s request, the South-East Railway Division issued a notification officially extending the Maurya Express to Sambalpur. The train will now operate from Hatia to Sambalpur with stoppages at Rourkela and Jharsuguda along the way.
Expressing his gratitude, Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support in enhancing connectivity and convenience for the people of Western Odisha.