Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards improving rail connectivity in Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has approved a new tri-weekly express train service between Puri and Koraput, connecting coastal, western and southern parts of the state.
The new service, numbered 18407/18408 Puri–Koraput–Puri Express, will operate via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi.
The train is expected to fulfill a long-pending demand of people from several underserved regions for a direct rail link between Puri, Bhubaneswar and the tribal-dominated districts of southern Odisha.
Officials said the service would benefit passengers travelling for pilgrimage, healthcare, education, employment, tourism and business purposes while improving regional accessibility and convenience.
The train will provide connectivity to key districts including Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput. It is also expected to strengthen transportation links to the KBK region and improve access to major educational, medical and administrative centres.
Important stoppages along the route will include Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi.
The new train service is likely to boost regional integration and support socio-economic development by enhancing mobility between coastal Odisha and the interior districts of western and southern Odisha.
The service is also expected to benefit pilgrims visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri and tourists travelling to the scenic and tribal regions of Koraput and Rayagada.
