Demand for new train connecting Koraput to Bhubaneswar City

Bhubaneswar(s.m.p):–Activists and local residents from the district have urged the Indian Railways to introduce a train connecting Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur and Angul, arguing that this new route would benefit the region and address long-standing issues of overcrowding and limited connectivity.
Currently, the sole train serving is the Hirakhand Express, operating between Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) and Bhubaneswar via Rayagada and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh). Locals claimed the train remains overcrowded and insufficient to meet growing demands.
“Hundreds of people from this region travel to the state capital daily for various purposes, and the existing Hirakhand Express is insufficient to meet demands,” said Bhabani Mishra, president of Koraput citizen committee, who submitted a memorandum in this regard to the authorities concerned.
Mishra emphasised that introducing a train via Sambalpur and Angul would not only reduce dependency on Hirakhand Express, but also improve connectivity between western Odisha and Koraput.
The activists also pointed out that lack of proper rail connectivity compels residents, particularly tribal communities, to rely on buses. During the Covid pandemic, a train service via Angul was introduced, proving highly beneficial, but was discontinued afterwards.
“During Covid, the railways introduced a train connecting Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Angul, which proved extremely beneficial. However, the service was discontinued after the pandemic. The railways should consider reintroducing it,” said Ajit Patra, former president of Koraput bar association.