New Puri-Rairangpur-Badampahar Express Approved!
The Union Government has officially sanctioned the introduction of the Puri-Rairangpur-Badampahar Express, a new daily service designed to strengthen rail links between Odisha and Jharkhand. This decision marks a significant milestone for commuters in the region, providing a direct connection to the coastal city of Puri from the Kolhan region.
Daily Service with Modern LHB Coaches
Following a formal order from the Railway Board on October 19, 2026, the approval was finalized on October 21, 2026. The directive has been issued to both the East Coast Railway in Bhubaneswar and the South Eastern Railway in Kolkata to facilitate the rollout. The new express service will operate on a daily basis, utilizing nine modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches to ensure enhanced passenger comfort and safety.
While the Railway Board has released the official timetable, the exact date for when the first passenger service will commence is currently pending. Authorities have been instructed to operationalize the service at the earliest possible opportunity.
Extensive Route Covering 19 Stations
The new express route is set to bridge various important towns and cities across two states, covering a total of 19 stations. This service will provide much-needed access to several key locations:
- Odisha Stops: Rairangpur, Keonjhar, Sukinda, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Cuttack, Jakhapura, Sukinda Road, and Kendujhar.
- Jharkhand Stops: Tatanagar, Rajkharsawan, Sini, Chaibasa, Jhinkpani, and Aunlajori Junction.
A Major Win for Regional Connectivity
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval, noting that the service fulfills a long-standing demand from the public. The new train is expected to significantly benefit residents across the districts of Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.
The development of this project has also been credited to the efforts of President Droupadi Murmu, ensuring that passengers traveling from Badampahar and the Kolhan region can now enjoy seamless rail access to the holy city of Puri.