Brahmapur: President Droupadi Murmu made history on Tuesday as the first sitting President to travel to Brahmapur by a special train as part of her three-day visit to Odisha.
She was accompanied by Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
After arriving at platform number 4 of the Brahmapur railway station at 11:15 am, Murmu was greeted by senior civil, railway, and police officials amidst a festive atmosphere, with enthusiastic crowds gathering at the decorated station to catch a glimpse of the historic event.
The decision to opt for a special rail journey was made taking into account the ongoing monsoon season in the region.
To ensure absolute safety, the train departed from Bhubaneswar under an unprecedented, multi-layered security blanket. The entire route was fortified by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Odisha Police, and local authorities, supported by intensive track patrolling, continuous surveillance at level crossings, strict station access controls, and anti-sabotage operations. Two escort trains accompanied the Presidential Special throughout its run, guaranteeing a seamless and secure voyage.
Following her arrival and brief reception at the station, President Murmu departed in a high-security convoy for Taptapani to offer prayers at the revered Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple. The shrine is a vital centre of spiritual and cultural devotion for local tribal communities.
Maa Kandhuni Devi, the presiding guardian deity, is revered for bestowing peace, prosperity, good health, and protection upon her devotees. While daily offerings of fresh flowers, coconuts, and incense fill the shrine with quiet devotion, grand festivals truly bring it to life, transforming the sacred space into a vibrant hub of tribal faith, resonating with traditional music, folk dances, and ancient rituals.
Following the shrine visit, she is scheduled to have lunch at the Panthanivas tourist guest house before proceeding to the Army Air Defence College at Golabandha for an overnight stay.
The Ganjam administration has deployed around 30 police platoons in Brahmapur town alone, declared key transit areas as no-flying and no-drone zones, and enforced targeted traffic restrictions, which will be in force during the President’s visit to the district.