Odisha Rails Ahead: New Train Services Boost Regional Connectivity

CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launch key rail links, strengthening Odisha’s path toward a more integrated transport network.

BHUBANESWAR — Odisha’s rail infrastructure saw a major expansion on Monday, July 6, 2026, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw jointly inaugurated two critical train services. The launch of the Puri-Koraput Express and the upgrade of the Berhampur-Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express to a daily service marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to improve intra-state and interstate mobility.

The new Puri-Koraput Express, which serves as a long-awaited daytime link, connects the coastal pilgrimage hub of Puri with the tribal-dominated Koraput region. Simultaneously, the conversion of the Berhampur-Udhna service to a daily frequency provides a vital lifeline for thousands of migrant workers, students, and traders traveling between Odisha and the commercial hubs of Gujarat.

Connecting Coastal, Southern, and Western Odisha

The Puri-Koraput Express (Train Nos. 18407/18408) is designed to bridge the geographic divide between Odisha's coastal and interior districts. By operating on a tri-weekly schedule, the train will traverse key industrial and cultural centers including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Balangir, Titlagarh, and Rayagada.

According to railway officials, the service fulfills a decades-old demand for a daytime train connecting these regions. Unlike the existing nocturnal services, this new express route offers tourists, patients, and students a safer and more convenient daytime travel option. During the inaugural event at Puri Railway Station, Chief Minister Majhi termed the launch a "historic day," highlighting its role in fostering socio-economic development across the state's diverse landscapes.

Strengthening the Odisha-Gujarat Corridor

The upgrade of the Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express to a daily operation addresses the heavy transit demand along the Odisha-Gujarat corridor. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that this route is crucial for the large population of Odia migrant workers and business travelers residing in Surat.

The Amrit Bharat Express now operates daily, significantly reducing waiting times for passengers and providing a more reliable transit link through Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. At the Berhampur launch, Minister Vaishnaw also confirmed that the Berhampur railway station is slated for comprehensive redevelopment into a world-class facility, with the first phase of modernization already underway.

Why It Matters

These rail connectivity projects are central to the vision of a "Viksit Odisha" (Developed Odisha). Beyond passenger convenience, the new services are expected to act as economic catalysts, facilitating easier movement of labor and goods. The expansion aligns with the broader national agenda of "Rail Infra 4 Odisha," with Minister Vaishnaw noting that the Centre has invested nearly ₹97,000 crore in the state’s railway sector over the past two years to accelerate regional prosperity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Puri-Koraput Express: New tri-weekly service linking coastal, western, and southern Odisha; operates on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Puri.

• Berhampur-Udhna Service: Upgraded from three days a week to a daily Amrit Bharat Express, strengthening ties with Gujarat.

• Rath Yatra Support: Railways confirmed over 300 special trains and infrastructure upgrades—including passenger holding areas—to manage crowds during the upcoming annual Rath Yatra.

• Investment: The Centre has allocated approximately ₹1 lakh crore for Odisha’s rail infrastructure development over a five-year period.

FAQ

How will the Puri-Koraput Express benefit local residents?

The train provides direct daytime connectivity between coastal and tribal regions, easing travel for patients seeking healthcare, students, and tourists visiting religious and commercial hubs.

Why was the Berhampur-Udhna train made a daily service?

The high demand from a large migrant workforce, traders, and students traveling between Odisha and Gujarat necessitated a shift from a tri-weekly to a daily schedule to improve travel flexibility.

What other railway developments were discussed?

Minister Vaishnaw announced that a new train service connecting North Odisha to Puri is in the pipeline and that significant redevelopment projects for major stations across the state are currently under execution.

Source: Financial Express, The New Indian Express, Pragativadi