Sonepur: The people of Subarnapur District expressed joy and enthusiasm as they welcomed the Sonepur-Puri Express on its first regular run at Sonepur Railway Station today. This railway service connects four districts of Western Odisha, namely Sonepur, Balangir, Bargarh, and Sambalpur, along with Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, and Angul. The introduction of this express train is expected to bring significant benefits to students, farmers, pilgrims, and traders in the region.
The Puri-Sonepur Express departs from Puri on Thursdays, while the Sonepur-Puri train service is available on Fridays. Departing Puri at 7:35 pm on Thursdays, the train reaches Sonepur at 5:30 am on Fridays. On the return journey, it leaves Sonepur at 7:30 pm on Fridays, reaching Puri at 6:55 am on Saturdays.
The train makes stopovers at key stations, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Naraj Marthapur, Dhenkanal, Talcher, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Bichhupali, Jhartarbha, and Narsinghgarh between Puri and Sonepur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off this train on its inaugural run from Sonepur through a video conference from Sambalpur on 3rd February 2024.
The residents of Sambalpur, including members of civil society, extended a warm welcome to the Sonepur-Puri Express at Sonepur Railway Station, organizing a cultural program to mark the occasion. The grand welcome reflects the community’s excitement and appreciation for the enhanced connectivity provided by this new rail service.