Bhubaneswar March 19: In the Rajya Sabha, MP Manas Ranjan Mangaraj has demanded the introduction of a Bande Bharat Super/Special Train connecting Bhubaneswar to Koraput. This demand also seeks improved rail connectivity from Bhubaneswar to southern Odisha.
In response, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that starting a new train depends on line capacity, availability of rolling stock, track infrastructure, and other operational parameters. While no decision has yet been made to run a Bande Bharat train on this route, steps are being taken to strengthen the railway infrastructure in Odisha.
The state has received significantly higher budget allocations for rail development compared to the past. From 2009–14, the annual allocation was ₹838 crore, whereas for 2025–26, it has been ₹10,599 crore—nearly 13 times higher.
Additionally, new rail lines and doubling projects are ongoing across the state. Currently, 49 railway projects have been approved in Odisha, with a total of 4,010 km of railway line under construction.
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