Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday welcomed the approval for a new Amrit Bharat train between Podanur (Coimbatore) and Dhanbad, stating that the service will significantly strengthen railway connectivity across several regions of the state.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Majhi said the decision reflects the Centre’s continued focus on expanding rail infrastructure and improving travel facilities for people in Odisha.
The newly approved train will run between Podanur in Tamil Nadu and Dhanbad in Jharkhand, passing through several important stations in Odisha including Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Rourkela.
According to the Chief Minister, the train service will benefit people in at least seven districts across southern and western Odisha, particularly those in the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region, which has long required better transport connectivity.
Majhi noted that the route will also provide direct rail access from Odisha to key cities in Tamil Nadu such as Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Salem. At the same time, passengers will get easier connectivity to major industrial hubs in Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Bokaro and Dhanbad.
He said the improved connectivity is expected to boost trade, mobility and social interaction between these regions, while also supporting the state’s broader economic development.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Railway Minister Vaishnaw informed him that the proposal for the new train service had been approved following discussions on enhancing rail links between Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand for the convenience of passengers.
The new Amrit Bharat train is expected to provide a convenient travel option for people from western and southern Odisha, making journeys to southern India and other parts of the country easier.
Students, workers, traders and regular travellers commuting between these regions are likely to benefit the most from the new service.
With inputs from IANS