look news india
A historic step is being taken towards further strengthening the connectivity in the Indian Railways network and connecting remote tribal dominated areas of the country with major religious and cultural centres. The date of the much-awaited inauguration ceremony of the new express train to be run between the historic Badampahad in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and Puri, the holy city of Lord Jagannath, has been changed. Now this new train is all set to run on the tracks on 4th November. The special thing is that the online virtual inauguration of this valuable gift will be done by Her Excellency the President of the country Draupadi Murmu with her lotus flowers. With the launch of this train by the President, not only is there an atmosphere of great enthusiasm among the local residents, but the East Coast Railway officials have also started preparations in full swing to make this historic moment memorable. This rail service, which will directly connect Puri to an area full of historical and mineral wealth like Badam Pahad, will open new avenues of tourism, trade and transportation.
According to information received from railway sources, the inauguration ceremony of this new express train starting between Badampahar and Puri was earlier to be held on some other date, but due to some administrative and technical reasons, it has now been revised and fixed for November 4. Many Union Ministers, senior leaders of Odisha, MPs and senior officials of the Railway Board will join in this virtual inauguration program to be organized in coordination with the President’s Secretariat and the Railway Ministry through video conferencing. A grand local program will be organized at Badampahar Railway Station, where common citizens of the area, public representatives and all the railway employees will witness this historic moment. On the inaugural day, this train will be flagged off from Badampahar station and sent to Puri. Full preparations are being made at all the major stations en route to give a grand welcome to this new train by the passengers and local people.
This new express train is also very special because Mayurbhanj district is the home area of the President of India Draupadi Murmu and Railways has been continuously making efforts for the development of this region. The demand for modernization of Badampahar railway station and operation of new trains from here was being made by the local public for a long time. With the introduction of this train, people living in Badampahar, Rairangpur and surrounding rural areas will get an accessible, safe and economical means to travel directly to Puri. Apart from the devotees coming from India and abroad for Rath Yatra and darshan of Lord Jagannath, this train will also prove to be a boon for the tourists of these interior areas of Odisha. From the business point of view, the operation of trains on this route will make it easier for local farmers, artisans and traders to transport their products to big markets, which will give a new impetus to the economy of the region.
According to information provided by East Coast Railway, the Badampahar-Puri Express train will be run with modern LHB or ICF rakes, taking full care of the comfort and safety of passengers. The facility of AC chair car, sleeper and general coach will be available in this train so that people from every section of the society can travel as per their convenience and budget. This train will start from Badampahar and reach Puri via Rairangpur, Jadapur, and other important stations. Railways has designed its stoppages and time table in such a way that passengers can reach their destination in less time. Its regular booking and operation is likely to start from the day of inauguration, due to which inquiries from passengers have already increased at the ticket windows and through online mediums.
Since the confirmed news of the operation of Badampahar-Puri Express train came to light, there has been a wave of happiness in Mayurbhanj and the entire surrounding area. People say that under the leadership and guidance of President Draupadi Murmu, their area is continuously getting new gifts of development. Cleaning, painting and decoration of railway station premises is going on war footing to make the inauguration ceremony on 4th November a grand celebration. Local people and various social organizations are planning special programs to express their gratitude to the President on this historic day. Overall, this rail journey from Badampahar to Puri will not only connect two cultures and regions, but will also add a new golden chapter in the rail history of Odisha.