Demand grows louder for train from Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur & Angul

Demand for train service from the tribal-dominated district of Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur and Angul is growing louder. Activists and local residents urged the Indian Railways to introduce a train that would go a long way in benefiting the region and address the long-standing issues of overcrowding and limited connectivity.

At present, only one train serving is the Hirakhand Express which operates between Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) and Bhubaneswar via Rayagada and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh). With just one train, it is mostly overcrowded with passengers travelling in risky manners.

Submitting a memorandum, Bhabani Mishra, president of Koraput citizen committee, told TOI, “Hundreds of people from their region travel to the state capital daily for various purposes, and the existing Hirakhand Express is insufficient to meet their demands.”

Mishra added that introducing a new train via Sambalpur and Angul would not only reduce dependency on Hirakhand Express but also improve connectivity between western Odisha and Koraput district. He also pointed out that the locals here have to mostly depend on buses due to a lack of proper rail connectivity.

As per TOI, a train service was introduced on this route via Angul during Covid-19 times, only to be discontinued afterwards.

“During Covid-19, the railways had introduced a train connecting Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Angul, which proved extremely beneficial. However, the service was discontinued after the pandemic. The Railways shoulder re-consider introducing a new train from Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur and Angul,” demanded Ajit Patra, former president of Koraput Bar Association.