Jeypore May 21: The Ministry of Railways has recently announced the operation of a train service from Puri to Koraput.
Various sections of the public have now demanded that this train be extended up to Jeypore instead of terminating at Koraput. The Dandakaranya Development Forum has reportedly sent a letter to the Railway Minister requesting the extension.
In the letter, it was stated that the introduction of the Puri–Koraput train service is a delayed but welcome step toward addressing the long-standing neglect of South Odisha in railway connectivity. However, limiting the service only up to Koraput would not be sufficient, and extending it to Jeypore is considered essential.
Jeypore is known as the primary commercial and transport gateway for the neighboring districts of Nabarangpur and Malkangiri. Restricting the train service to Koraput could leave a large tribal population deprived of direct rail connectivity.
Most residents of Nabarangpur and Malkangiri depend on Jeypore for train travel, especially pilgrims and economically weaker sections of society. Without the extension, these people may face additional expenses and various travel-related difficulties.
The Railway Ministry is also planning to complete the Junagarh–Jeypore–Malkangiri railway line project by 2029. Under this project, Jeypore is expected to emerge as a major railway junction in the future.
Keeping future development in mind, the forum has strongly demanded that the Puri–Koraput train be extended up to Jeypore.
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