Berhampur, Sep 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off the long-awaited direct Amrit Bharat Express train connecting Brahmapur in Odisha to Udhna — a Suburban area of Surat, located primarily on Surat-Navsari Highway — in Gujarat via video conference during his visit to Jharsuguda.

The launch marks a major milestone for thousands of Odia workers who travel to Surat for employment.

The inauguration ceremony at Brahmapur Railway Station was attended by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallik, and Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy. Students from various schools in Brahmapur were among the first to board the train, expressing joy over the comfortable journey.

Also read: PM Modi Unveils Rs 60,000 Crore Visionfor Odisha’s Future

For years, residents of Ganjam district have demanded a direct train to Surat, as many locals work in textile and diamond industries there. Previously, they had to rely on buses or multiple train connections, facing logistical challenges and high costs. The new Amrit Bharat Express, equipped with sleeper and general coaches, offers an affordable and direct travel option once a week.

The launch of this train is seen as a gift to the people of Ganjam, and local MPs and MLAs extended their gratitude to the Prime Minister. The train is expected to strengthen economic ties and ease travel for migrant workers and families.

In addition to the train launch, PM Modi announced the development of a port at Palur in the Chikiti and Chhatrapur constituencies. Land identification and groundwork have already begun. This port is expected to boost regional trade and create a golden economic corridor in Ganjam.