Rajdhani Express To Promote Odisha Art & Culture, Here's How

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Railways is not leaving any stone unturned to give railway stations across the country a new makeover. From murals and paintings to state-of-the-art facilities for passengers, one can feel the difference at many railway stations.

In its latest addition, Odisha’s art, culture and heritage will be displayed on the exteriors of Bhubaneswar-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between East Coast Railway (ECoR) and National Aluminium Company (NALCO) in this regard on Monday.

As per reports, NALCO will sponsor high-quality designs on vinyl wrapping sheets to drape the Rajdhani Trains. The East Coast Railway has three sets of train rakes of Rajdhani Express.

Senior officials informed that the designs will be based on three major themes – Dance forms, Archaeological monuments and flora & fauna of Odisha.

“This will go a long way in promoting tourism potential of Odisha and promote traditional Odishan Art,”said Ajay Behera, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of East Coast Railway.

These designs will be placed between the glass windows of the coach on exterior side. There will be two more strips, one at the top and the other at the bottom, reflecting various designs in Traditional Pattachitra form.

There are a total of three rakes for Rajdhani Express consisting about 15 coaches. NALCO will pay Rs 3 crore (Rs 1 crore for each rake) as Advertisement revenue to East Coast Railway while the company's designs and logo will also feature on the coaches.