Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening rail connectivity and enhancing passenger services in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are scheduled to launch the Puri–Koraput Express and daily service of Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express on July 6 (Monday).

The Puri–Koraput Express inaugural special will be flagged off from Puri railway station while the daily service of Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express is scheduled to be launched from Brahmapur railway station.

These two important passenger services will significantly improve connectivity within Odisha as well as between Odisha and western India, while promoting tourism, trade, employment opportunities and regional socio-economic development. The regular schedule of Puri-Koraput Express will be notified separately, said the Indian Railways on Sunday.

“Introduction of the Puri–Koraput Express fulfils the long-standing aspiration of people by providing direct rail connectivity between the holy city of Puri and the tribal heartland of Koraput. The train will greatly benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, traders and local residents by improving access to religious destinations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and commercial centres across the state,” it added.

The inaugural special marks the beginning of the regular Train No. 18407/18408 Puri–Koraput–Puri Express, the detailed timetable of this train will be announced separately. The train will operate via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi, thereby strengthening rail connectivity between coastal, western and southern Odisha, stated the Railways.

The train will run from Puri on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from Koraput on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, offering convenient travel options to passengers across the region, it added.

The Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express, presently operating three days a week, has emerged as a vital rail link connecting Odisha with Gujarat while serving important destinations across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Its conversion into a daily service will substantially enhance passenger convenience and provide greater travel flexibility, said the officials.

The increased frequency will facilitate smoother movement of workers, students, traders and other passengers, while strengthening connectivity between major industrial, commercial and employment centres. It will also support trade, business activities and workforce mobility across the states served by the train.

These new railway services reaffirm Indian Railways' commitment to expanding rail connectivity, improving passenger amenities and supporting balanced regional development. The initiatives are expected to provide a major boost to tourism, commerce, education, healthcare access and economic growth while contributing to the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat, they added.