New Vande Bharat Express Connects Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Rourkela for Swift Rail Travel

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd Vande Bharat Express for the Puri–Rourkela route via video conferencing from New Delhi during a ceremony at Bhubaneswar railway station today.

The 2nd Vande Bharat Express will establish a crucial rail link between Puri and the industrial hub of Rourkela, also connecting the state capital, Bhubaneswar, the industrial area at Angul, and Jharsuguda along the way. This premium service will provide the fastest rail connectivity on the Puri-Rourkela route, operating six days a week, with the exception of Saturdays.

The Vande Bharat Express will traverse the 505-kilometer journey from Puri to Rourkela in a mere 7 hours and 45 minutes. It will make stops at key stations including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City, and Jharsuguda enroute.

Compared to existing trains like the Puri-Yog Nagari Rishikesh Express (11.50 hours) and Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express (10.25 hours), which are the fastest options on this route, the Vande Bharat service will significantly reduce travel time.

This new Vande Bharat Express boasts numerous enhancements and improved amenities designed to enhance passenger comfort. These improvements were implemented based on feedback gathered from passengers.

The new train will particularly benefit pilgrims, traders, students, and tourists seeking quicker travel between Puri and Rourkela.