Bhubaneswar: A day before the trail run of Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express, Commerce & Transport Minister Tukusi Sahu wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking introduction of the semi-high speed train on three routes for better passenger convenience and faster travel options to businessmen, tourists and aspiring people of Odisha.
Stating that the state had been demanding rapid expansion of rail network in the state to boost economic growth, she pointed out Vande Bharat Express trains have been introduced across the country to give faster connectivity, expect in Odisha. “I would like to request you to introduce Vande Bharat Express trains through Odisha to meet the growing aspirations of people. I request you to introduce Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Howrah to offer faster travel options to passengers,” Sahu wrote on Thursday.
Incidentally, the trial run of the train began at 6.10 am on Friday. It is likely to be flagged off next month and will have limited stoppages between the two stations.
Also Read: Trial Run Of Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express Begins; Check Timings, Stoppages
The minister further said that there are ‘very few faster trains’ that connect Western Odisha with state capital. “Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur will facilitate faster passenger movement from Western Odisha districts to state capital. It will boost intra-state economic activity and connect the airports in Jharsuguda, Rourkela and Bhubaneswar,” she said.
Since a large number of people from Odisha are staying in Hyderabad. she also requested for another Vande Bharat Express train connecting Bhubaneswar with Hyderabad to facilitate faster movement of passengers between the two capital cities.
On his maiden trip to Odisha in August 2021 after becoming the Minister, Vaishnaw said Vande Bharat Express will be extended to Puri as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of connecting every corner of the country by the semi-high speed train service within 75 weeks under the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’
He had reiterated the same in November last year and informed about running of Vande Bharat Express in Odisha this year.
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