- Brahmapur–Surat daily service to transform travel for migrants, businesses and industries between eastern and western India
- Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to launch two strategic train services from Odisha
- Puri–Koraput Express strengthens Odisha’s internal connectivity while Amrit Bharat train opens a new growth corridor with Gujarat
NE RAILWAY BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 5
In a significant boost to east-west rail connectivity, Indian Railways is set to bridge two of India’s fastest-growing economic regions with the launch of the daily Brahmapur-Surat (Udhna) Amrit Bharat Express, creating the first major direct rail corridor between southern Odisha and Gujarat.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the new service on Monday from Brahmapur, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will join the inaugural ceremonies, underscoring the importance of the new link for regional development, migration and commerce.
The new train is expected to become a crucial transport artery for thousands of workers, entrepreneurs, students and families travelling between Odisha and Gujarat, particularly Surat, one of India’s largest textile, diamond-processing and manufacturing hubs. Gujarat is home to a sizeable Odia workforce employed across industries, making the direct service a long-awaited connectivity milestone.
Railway officials believe the service will significantly reduce travel inconvenience by offering seamless connectivity between southern Odisha and western India while strengthening economic and social ties between the two states.
“The train is expected to improve long-distance connectivity between southern Odisha and Gujarat, providing a direct rail link for passengers travelling to the western region of the country.”
Alongside the Amrit Bharat Express, the Railways will also launch the Puri-Koraput Express, aimed at reinforcing intra-state connectivity across Odisha.
The new Puri-Koraput service will be flagged off from Puri at noon and will connect the state’s coastal belt with its southern districts via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Balangir, Damanjodi and Lakshmipur Road, before terminating at Koraput.
Railway officials said the service is designed to improve accessibility for passengers travelling within Odisha and enhance mobility across regions that play a vital role in the state’s industrial, mining and tourism sectors.
“The new service will strengthen intra-state connectivity by linking the coastal region with southern Odisha.”
The launch of both trains reflects Indian Railways’ continuing focus on expanding regional connectivity, improving passenger convenience and supporting balanced economic development through strategically planned rail corridors.
For Gujarat, the Brahmapur-Surat Amrit Bharat Express is expected to deepen people-to-people ties while facilitating smoother movement of skilled workers, traders and small businesses between the two states, adding another important chapter to India’s rapidly expanding railway network.
