Daily Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express launched, boosting Odisha’s rail connectivity

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, July 7: Odisha’s rail connectivity received a major boost on Monday with the launch of the daily Berhampur-Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express service and the inauguration of the new Puri-Koraput Express, aimed at improving intra-state and interstate travel.

The services were flagged off by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during separate ceremonies held at Berhampur and Puri railway stations.

The Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express, which was previously operating three days a week, will now run daily, addressing a long-standing demand from passengers travelling between Odisha and Gujarat.

The train serves as an important rail link between the two states while also connecting key destinations across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Railway officials said the upgraded daily service is expected to significantly improve travel for migrant workers, business travellers and families.

The newly introduced Puri-Koraput Express is expected to strengthen connectivity between Odisha’s coastal, western and southern regions. The train will pass through major stations, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Bolangir, Titilagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma and Damanjodi.

According to railway officials, the expanded services will enhance passenger convenience, improve regional connectivity, promote tourism and trade, and support economic activity across the state. The additional trains are also expected to ease travel demand and provide more reliable transportation options for thousands of passengers travelling within Odisha and to western India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha would play a significant role in India’s growth story and highlighted the Centre’s increased investment in the state’s railway infrastructure.

“Odisha will work as a growth engine for a developed India. If the state is receiving railway investments of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore within two years instead of five, it will further accelerate Odisha’s prosperity,” he said.

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the daily Amrit Bharat Express would particularly benefit passengers travelling between Berhampur and Surat, two cities linked by a large migrant workforce.

“Berhampur shares a close bond with Surat, making this daily Amrit Bharat Express highly beneficial. Berhampur railway station will also be redeveloped as a world-class facility. The design has been finalised, and the project will be executed in two phases. Preparations for the first phase are complete, and the foundation stone will be laid shortly,” Vaishnaw said.