Bhubaneswar, 12 March (H.S.) : In a significant move to strengthen rail connectivity in Odisha, the Central Government has approved the introduction of a new Amrit Bharat train that will connect the state with Assam and Telangana. Additionally, two special train services—Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad and Puri–Patna—have been regularised.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi about the development through a letter. Earlier, the Chief Minister had discussed the matter with the Railway Minister and requested enhanced rail services for the people of Odisha.

According to official information, the new Amrit Bharat train will run between Kamakhya in Assam and Charlapalli (Secunderabad) in Telangana. The train will pass through several stations in Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Balugaon, and Brahmapur.

Meanwhile, the 18403/18404 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Special Train has been converted into a regular service. Before reaching Dhanbad, the train will pass through stations including Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela.

Similarly, the 08439/08440 Puri–Patna Special Train has also been regularised. The train will run via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore before reaching Patna.

Welcoming the decision, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the train services, which are expected to significantly enhance rail connectivity in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda