To enhance inter-state rail connectivity, the Puri-Lalgarh Weekly Express has been officially extended to Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.
BJP MP Sambit Patra flagged off the inaugural run from Puri Railway Station, hailing the extension as a historic step toward uniting diverse regions of India.
“This initiative connects the Bay of Bengal with the Thar Desert, symbolising the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’,” Patra said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support.
The extension is expected to significantly boost religious tourism, especially for devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Patra also highlighted the dramatic increase in railway budget allocation for Odisha—from ₹892 crore under the previous UPA government to ₹10,000 crore under the current administration.
BJD MP Subhashish Khuntia, also present at the ceremony, praised the move for its potential to improve passenger convenience and promote tourism. He emphasised that the development aligns with the broader vision of nationwide rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Train timings between Puri and Lalgarh remain unchanged, with the extended route now incorporated into the schedule. The service offers direct access between eastern and northwestern India, benefiting pilgrims, tourists, and regional commuters alike.
