Koraput Coffee has emerged as a symbol of tribal entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture, while the new Puri–Koraput Express strengthens market access for this premium regional product.
Grown in the Eastern Ghats, the shade-grown Arabica variety cultivated by tribal farmers carries a distinctive chocolate and nutty flavour profile that has earned national recognition.
Thousands of tribal farmers and women participate in cultivation, processing, packaging, and marketing, creating sustainable incomes while conserving biodiversity. The initiative has transformed livelihoods and positioned Koraput as an emerging speciality coffee destination.
The launch of the Puri–Koraput Express complements this success by connecting Koraput with major commercial centres across Odisha. Improved rail connectivity is expected to boost the movement of value-added products such as Koraput Coffee, promote tourism, and create new economic opportunities for tribal communities.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train service, describing it as a landmark step in bridging Odisha’s coastal, western, and southern regions. Officials said the train will benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, traders, and local residents by improving access to religious destinations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial hubs.
Together, Koraput Coffee and the Puri–Koraput Express reflect a shared vision of inclusive development, where better infrastructure empowers local enterprise and takes Odisha’s tribal products to wider national and global markets.
