Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following the Railway Board’s approval of the new Puri–Badampahar Express.
The CM said that decision fulfils a long-pending demand of people in Odisha for direct rail connectivity between the Pilgrim City of Puri and Badampahar in Mayurbhanj district. “This new rail service will strengthen connectivity across Puri, Khordha, Kataka, Jajpur, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, bringing greater convenience and new opportunities for the people of the state,” he added.
The initiative is also being linked to the efforts of President Droupadi Murmu. The daily express will run with nine LHB coaches and is scheduled to halt at 19 stations, including Rairangpur and Badampahar. The proposed route covers Badampahar, Rairangpur, Aunlajori Junction, Tatanagar Junction, Sini, Rajkharsawan, Chaibasa, Jhikpani, Dangoaposi, Deojhar, Banspani, Kendujhar, Harichandanpur, Sukinda Road, Jakhapura, Kataka, Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar, Khordha Road and Puri.
According to the provisional timetable, train number 18411 is set to depart Puri at 11:45 pm and reach Badampahar the next afternoon around 1:45 pm, while the return service 18412 will leave Badampahar in the late afternoon (4 pm) and arrive in Puri at 6 am.
By connecting the coastal pilgrimage centre with the mineral-rich northern and tribal areas, the service is seen as a significant boost to regional mobility, tourism and economic activity. The exact date for the commencement of regular operations is yet to be announced.