In a landmark development for rail infrastructure in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw will jointly flag off two transformative passenger services on July 6, 2026.
The inaugural run of the much-awaited Puri–Koraput Express from Puri Railway Station and the conversion of the Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express into a daily service from Brahmapur will usher in a new era of enhanced connectivity across the state and beyond.
New Direct Link Between Pilgrimage and Tribal Heartland
The Puri–Koraput Express (Train No. 18407/18408) fulfils a decades-long demand of the people of Odisha by establishing direct rail connectivity between the sacred city of Puri and the tribal-dominated district of Koraput. Operating via key junctions including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Balangir, Titlagarh, Rayagada, and Damanjodi, the train will serve pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, and traders alike. It will run from Puri on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and return from Koraput on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The regular timetable will be notified separately.
This new service is expected to dramatically improve access to religious sites, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and markets, while boosting tourism and economic activity in southern and western Odisha.
Amrit Bharat Express Goes Daily
The Brahmapur–Udhna (Surat) Amrit Bharat Express, which has already proven immensely popular as a tri-weekly service, will now run daily. The increased frequency will strengthen vital links between Odisha and Gujarat while serving important stations across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
The upgrade will provide greater flexibility for workers, students, traders, and families traveling for business, education, or employment. It is also set to stimulate trade, industrial growth, and workforce mobility between eastern and western India.
Boost to Viksit Odisha & Viksit Bharat
These initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ continued commitment to equitable regional development. By improving passenger amenities and expanding network reach, the new services are poised to accelerate tourism, commerce, education, and healthcare access in Odisha.
