Puri-Koraput Express Boosts Direct Connectivity Across Odisha. Majhi and Vaishnaw performed the flag-off ceremony at Puri station. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, MPs, MLAs and senior railway officials attended the event.Majhi described the launch as a landmark moment. The service connects sacred Puri with Koraput and serves people across Odisha. He highlighted the ongoing Rs 184 crore redevelopment of Puri railway station to improve facilities for pilgrims.Majhi requested a similar train service from north Odisha to Puri. Vaishnaw announced that the railway ministry would introduce such a train in the near future.Vaishnaw said people had long demanded a daytime train between coastal Odisha and the western and southern regions. The existing Hirakhand Express runs only at night. He confirmed that the Chief Minister had written to the ministry for this service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Puri-Koraput Express on the instruction of Lord Jagannath.Vaishnaw stated that the BJP had promised Rs 1 lakh crore investment in Odisha’s railway sector over five years. The Centre has already invested nearly Rs 97,000 crore in the last two years and aims to achieve the full target next year.He said the government is developing four-lane railway corridors linking major cities, similar to the Golden Quadrilateral highway project. Puri station is turning into a world-class facility while nearly 50 stations across Odisha undergo redevelopment.Railway officials said the Puri-Koraput Express provides direct connectivity between Puri and the tribal heartland of Koraput. The train will benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients and traders. It runs via Khordha Road, Bhubaneswar, Anugola, Sambalpur, Baragada Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Rayagada and other stations.The train departs from Puri on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Return services from Koraput operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Officials will announce the detailed timetable soon.
Odisha CM and Union Railway Minister Vaishnaw Flag Off New Puri-Koraput Express Train
