Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance connectivity and meet local demand, the Indian Railways has inaugurated a new Passenger Halt at Sanapadar, located on the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line in Odisha.
This new station will serve the growing transportation needs of the region and improve accessibility for local commuters.
The decision to open Sanapadar Passenger Halt was taken following a public request during the visit of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Daspalla last year. The Minister had assured the locals that the Passenger Halt would be established. With this inauguration, Vaishnaw has once again fulfilled his commitment to improving rail infrastructure in the area, East Coast Railway (ECoR) said in a press release on Monday.
To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers, Sanapadar Passenger Halt is equipped with modern amenities. The PH has been constructed at a cost of Rs 55 lakh having 450 meters of platform. Amenities provided at the PH include six small passenger shelters; Six benches providing seating for 30 passengers on the platform and 13 passengers in the waiting room. Apart from this, 22 light posts were provided to ensure visibility and safety during night-time travel, 1 hand tube well for water needs, 1 booking counter, Waiting Room with separate toilets for gents and ladies provided in the waiting room.
Four Pairs of Trains to Stop at Sanapadar
As part of the initiative to improve local travel, East Coast Railway has announced that four pairs of trains, including one express train, will now make stoppages at Sanapadar starting from January 20, 2025. The trains scheduled to stop at the new station are as follows:
• 18423/18424 Bhubaneswar-Daspalla-Bhubaneswar Express:
o The train from Bhubaneswar will arrive at Sanapadar at 1948 hrs and will leave at 1950 hrs towards Daspalla.
o In the return direction, the train from Daspalla will arrive at Sanapadar at 0722 hrs and will leave at 0723 hrs towards Bhubaneswar.
In addition to the express service, three local MEMU (Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit) trains will also make stoppages at Sanapadar, enhancing the local train connectivity:
• Bhubaneswar-Daspalla-Bhubaneswar MEMU
o The train Bhubaneswar will arrive at Sanapadar at 1052 hrs and will leave at 1053 hrs towards Daspalla.
o In the return direction, the train from Daspalla will arrive at Sanapadar at 1704 hrs and will leave at 1705 hrs towards Bhubaneswar.
• Bhadrak-Daspalla-Bhadrak MEMU
o The train Bhadrak will arrive at Sanapadar at 0953 hrs and will leave at 0954 hrs towards Daspalla.
o In the return direction, the train from Daspalla will arrive at Sanapadar at 1744 hrs and will leave at 1745 hrs towards Bhadrak.
• Puri-Daspalla-Puri MEMU
o The train Puri will arrive at Sanapadar at 2015 hrs and will leave at 2016 hrs towards Daspalla.
o In the return direction, the train from Daspalla will arrive at Sanapadar at 0743 hrs and will leave at 0744 hrs towards Puri.
Improved Connectivity at Bolagarh Town
In addition to the Sanapadar Passenger Halt, the Bhubaneswar-Daspalla-Bhubaneswar Express will also begin stopping at Bolagarh Town, starting January 20, 2025. The train will arrive at Bolagarh Town at 2003 hrs and depart at 2004 hrs towards Daspalla. In the return direction, it will arrive at 0708 hrs and depart at 0709 hrs towards Bhubaneswar.
A Milestone in Local Rail Development
The opening of the Sanapadar Passenger Halt is seen as a major step towards fulfilling the transportation needs of the local community. The local public representatives, along with the railway authorities, have worked hard to ensure this long-awaited development. This initiative is expected to provide better connectivity for the residents of the surrounding areas, making commuting easier and more convenient.
The Railways is committed to enhancing passenger convenience, and this move is another example of how public demand is being addressed promptly. East Coast Railway is dedicated to providing efficient and safe services, fostering economic growth and improving transportation facilities for the public.
