22, Oct 2026
Puri–Badampahar Express Gets Approval: A New Rail Link for Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has welcomed the Centre’s approval of the long-awaited Puri–Rairangpur–Badampahar Express, calling it a major boost to rail connectivity in the state. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for clearing the service, which had been a longstanding demand of people in northern and coastal Odisha.
File Photo
What the New Train Offers
The express will run daily between Puri and Badampahar via Rairangpur, connecting key districts including Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. It will have nine LHB coaches and halt at 19 stations, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Sukinda and Rairangpur.
According to the approved schedule, the Puri–Badampahar service is expected to depart Puri at 11:45 pm, reach Rairangpur at 12:53 pm the next day, and arrive at Badampahar at 1:45 pm. The return train is slated to leave Badampahar at 4:00 pm and reach Puri at 6:00 am the following day.
CM Majhi’s Response
In a post on X, Chief Minister Majhi said the new service would make travel more convenient for passengers while opening fresh economic and social opportunities across the connected districts. He described the approval as the fulfilment of a long-pending demand and thanked the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for their support.
Why It Matters
The route is expected to particularly benefit residents of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, regions that have sought better direct rail access to Puri and Bhubaneswar. By linking temple-town Puri with Rairangpur and Badampahar, the service is likely to improve travel for pilgrims, students, workers and traders, while strengthening access to healthcare, education and markets.
The Ministry of Railways approved the train on October 19, 2026, under communication numbers CC-208/2026 and 2026/CHG/16/WCR/41-PT; the regular start date is yet to be announced.
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- By Neel Achary
