New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to affordable long-distance rail connectivity across India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off Santragachi-Tambaram Express through a remote video link on Sunday.
The train will begin its inaugural journey from Kolkata’s Santragachi station in West Bengal and traverse key sections under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) jurisdiction, including Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khurda Road in Odisha, before continuing southward. It will have additional halts in Andhra Pradesh and other regions, with stops in the South Central Railway (SCR) zone such as Anakapalle, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, and Nellore, enhancing connectivity for passengers in multiple states, according to reports.
The ECoR is organising a special event at Bhubaneswar railway station at 8.30 pm on the occasion. The train will pass through Bhadrak at 6.30 pm, Jajpur Keonjhar Road at 7 pm, Cuttack at 8 pm, Bhubaneswar at 8.30 pm and Khurda Road at 8.45 pm.
This forms part of a broader initiative where the Prime Minister will virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains and two new weekly express trains passing through the SCR during his visit to West Bengal and Assam, alongside launching India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train and inaugurating multiple infrastructure projects.
Amrit Bharat Express is a non-air-conditioned service, featuring sleeper and general class coaches. It is designed to offer modern amenities at budget-friendly fares, catering especially to middle- and lower-income passengers, migrant workers, and those seeking comfortable yet economical long-haul travel. This particular route is expected to benefit a large number of travellers from West Bengal’s Howrah and South 24 Parganas districts who frequently journey to southern India for work, healthcare, or family visits.
