Argus News - Rail Connectivity Boost for Odisha as New Amrit Bharat Train to Pass Nine Stations in State

Bhubaneswar, Mar 10: Odisha is set to benefit immensely in rail connectivity after the approval of a new Amrit Bharat train service, which will connect Coimbatore’s Podanur Junction in Tamil Nadu to Dhanbad in Jharkhand.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced through a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing inter-state connectivity.

The new train will pass through nine important stations in Odisha - Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela - before heading towards Jharkhand. This route is expected to significantly benefit passengers from western and southern Odisha, offering them easier access to southern India and other parts of the country.

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CM Majhi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Vaishnaw via his official X handle, acknowledging the approval as a crucial step in strengthening Odisha’s transport infrastructure.

“Grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Hon’ble Union Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji for their continued support towards the development of Odisha,” reads the post.

Terming the newly approved Amrit Bharat train service “a major boost for connectivity in Odisha”, he wrote: “With stoppages at Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Rourkela, the service will benefit seven districts across southern and western Odisha, including the KBK region.”

“It will also provide direct rail links to key cities in Tamil Nadu such as Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Salem, and important industrial centres in Jharkhand including Ranchi, Bokaro and Dhanbad, strengthening economic and social linkages,” he added.

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Praising the initiative and the Centre’s commitment, CM Majhi concluded the post, saying: “This initiative reflects the Central Government’s continued commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure and accelerating development in Odisha, bringing greater convenience and new opportunities for our people.”

The Amrit Bharat train is expected to provide substantial relief to students, workers, traders, and frequent travellers who often commute between Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand. By offering a direct and efficient travel option, the train will help reduce travel time and improve regional connectivity.

This approval is seen as the outcome of continuous efforts by the Odisha government to enhance rail services in the state. The new train service is anticipated to play a vital role in boosting economic activity, facilitating trade, and supporting social mobility across regions.