In a major boost to rail connectivity and passenger convenience, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Monday flagged off the inaugural Puri–Koraput Express Special from Puri Railway Station and the Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express Inaugural Special from Brahmapur Railway Station, marking the commencement of its daily operation in place of the existing tri weekly service.
Further, Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in a Video Conferencing programme from Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, where he simultaneously flagged off the Nanded–Mumbai and Tanakpur–Nanded Express trains and inaugurated the extension of the Tanakpur–Pilibhit train service up to Shahjahanpur, reflecting Indian Railways' commitment to strengthening rail connectivity across the country.
According to an official statement, the Indian Railways noted that the newly introduced Puri–Koraput Express fulfils a long-standing aspiration by providing direct rail connectivity between the holy city of Puri and the tribal heartland of Koraput.
The train will benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, traders and local residents while strengthening connectivity between coastal, western and southern Odisha through Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi.
The inaugural service marks the beginning of the regular Train No. 18407/18408 Puri–Koraput–Puri Express, the detailed timetable of which will be notified separately. The train will run from Puri on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from Koraput on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express, connecting Odisha with Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, has become an important rail link for workers, students, traders and passengers. Its conversion into a daily service will significantly improve travel flexibility, strengthen connectivity with major industrial and commercial centres and support trade, employment and economic activities.
These initiatives reaffirm Indian Railways' commitment to expanding rail connectivity, improving passenger amenities and supporting balanced regional development. Together, the new train services, enhanced frequency and comprehensive Ratha Yatra arrangements will strengthen tourism, commerce, education, healthcare access and economic growth, contributing to the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat.
On the occasion, the Railway Minister also announced that a new train service will be introduced for North Odisha, further strengthening railway connectivity across the State. The announcement was made in response to a request for improved rail connectivity to North Odisha.
The Minister assured that, just as railway services have been expanded across western, southern and coastal Odisha, North Odisha will also receive a dedicated train service to address the region's connectivity needs. Vaishnaw reaffirmed the Government's commitment to continuously expanding the railway network across Odisha, ensuring that every region benefits from improved connectivity and enhanced passenger services.