Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening rail connectivity in western Odisha, the Howrah–Titlagarh–Howrah Ispat Express has been extended till Junagarh Road, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) informed on Wednesday.
The inaugural run between Junagarh Road and Titlagarh will take place on February 19, providing direct and reliable connectivity to people of Kalahandi and adjoining areas while reducing dependence on connecting trains and easing travel for daily passengers. “The enhanced service will benefit students, patients seeking medical care, traders, government employees, and working professionals. It is also expected to promote tourism and facilitate smoother movement of goods and small-scale trade, thereby contributing to local economic growth,” it said.
The regular service will begin from Howrah on February 21 and from Junagarh Road on February 22. The extended train will have stoppages at Kesinga, Lanjigarh Road and Bhawanipatna between Titlagarh and Junagarh Road. “All existing stoppages and timings between Howrah and Titlagarh will remain unchanged. The train will continue to operate as a Superfast Express between Howrah and Titlagarh and as a Mail/Express service between Titlagarh and Junagarh Road,” the ECoR added.
