Vande Bharat Launch: Odisha CM Seeks 2 More Semi High-Speed Trains, Puri-Konark New Rail Line

Puri: Even as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishaw hinted at introduction of second Vande Bharat on Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Angul-Rourkela route, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday suggested several new projects for Odisha, including two more semi high-speed trains, during the launch of Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express here.

“I would take this opportunity to request the Prime Minister for introduction of a Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur and another connecting Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad which will facilitate faster movement of passengers between these important cities, for the benefit of our aspiring people,” the CM said.

He said introduction of Vande Bharat is one step closer towards realisation of the Bullet train dream. “I am sure, with your leadership, we should soon have our own Bullet trains.”

Regarding Shree Jagannath International Airport, Naveen said that he had a detailed discussion on the proposed airport in Puri. “We will incorporate all the suggestions given by the Prime Minister for making it a world class sea-side airport. He hoped that with the cooperation and support of the PM, this airport will be ready within 3 to 4 years, and he will come to Shreekhetra to dedicate it.”

Further, he also requested sanctioning of Puri-Konark new railway line. “State of Odisha offers 50 percent of construction cost and entire land cost for the project, making it extremely profitable for Railways,” he informed.

Stating that Odisha has always been very proactive in supporting railway projects, he said that people of the state have willingly pledged their invaluable land for the development of railway, hoping that these projects will offer them many new economic avenues.

The CM also requested for early introduction of passenger services in both Angul-Sukinda line and Haridaspur-Paradip line to meet the aspirations of the people of these districts.

Addressing the gathering at Puri railway station ahead of the flagging-off ceremony of Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, Vishnaw said that another semi high-speed train is likely to run on Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Angul-Rourkela route. Vande Sleeper and Vande Metro will also be launched in Odisha, he added.

Notably, Commerce & Transport Minister Tukusi Sahu had written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking introduction of the semi-high speed train on 2 routes – Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar-Hyderabad – ahead of Puri-Howrah trail run on April 28.