Odisha CM Welcomes Approval of Podanur–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Train, Says It Will Boost Regional Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving a new Amrit Bharat train service between Podanur (Coimbatore) and Dhanbad, which will pass through several key stations in Odisha.

The Chief Minister said the new train service would significantly improve rail connectivity in the state, particularly benefiting passengers in southern and western Odisha.

According to Majhi, the train will stop at major stations including Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Rourkela. The service is expected to benefit seven districts of the state, including the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region.

He noted that the new route would also connect Odisha more directly with important cities in Tamil Nadu such as Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Salem, while also providing easier access to industrial hubs in Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Bokaro and Dhanbad. This, he said, will strengthen economic ties as well as social connections between the regions.

Majhi further said that the launch of the Amrit Bharat train reflects the Central government’s continued focus on expanding railway infrastructure and supporting the development of Odisha.

The Chief Minister added that the initiative would bring greater travel convenience and open up new opportunities for people across the state.

In a letter addressed to Majhi, Railway Minister Vaishnaw confirmed the approval of the train service. Referring to earlier discussions on improving connectivity between Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand, he said the government had cleared the introduction of the new Amrit Bharat train between Podanur and Dhanbad via major stations in Odisha.

The new train is expected to provide significant benefits to passengers from western and southern Odisha, offering them easier access to southern India and other regions of the country.

Students, migrant workers, traders and regular travellers are likely to particularly benefit from the improved connectivity.

With inputs from IANS