Bhubaneswar: With the commencement of trial-run of maidan Vande Bharat Express train in Odisha, the State Government has demanded Centre to introduce Vande Bharat Express trains between Puri-Howrah, Puri-Rourkela and Bhubaneswar-Hyderabad routes.
State Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu has written a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in this regard.
In her letter, Shrimati Sahu said Odisha has been a significant contributor to the growth engine of India, emerging as an Eastern Gateway to the nation.
“With rapid growth, the aspirations of people are rising constantly. Odisha has been witnessing rapid economic growth in the last two decades and attracted the highest investment during the last couple of years. We have been demanding rapid expansion of the rail network in the State, time and again, as the State can contribute immensely to the country’s economy,” the Minister said.
She said that Vande Bharat express trains have been introduced across the country to give faster connectivity, except in Odisha.
Therefore, Minister Shrimati Sahu demanded introduction of Vande Bharat Express Trains on three routes of Odisha; Puri-Howrah, Puri-Raipur and Bhubaneswar-Hyderabad.
“I would like to request you to introduce Vande Bharat Express trains through Odisha to meet the growing aspirations of people. Request you to introduce the Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Howrah to offer faster travel options to passengers,” she said.
Stating that there are very few faster trains that connect Western Odisha and State capital Bhubaneswar, Minister demanded Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur. It will boost intra-state economic activity and connect the airports in Jharsuguda, Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, she added.
A large number of people from Odisha are staying in Hyderabad. So, she requested Vaishnaw to introduce another Vande Bharat Express train connecting Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad which will facilitate faster movement of passengers between the two capital cities.
The Transport Minister urged the Union Minister to consider the genuine demands of the State which will offer better passenger convenience and faster travel options to businessmen, tourists and aspiring people of Odisha.
According to official sources, a trial run of the maidan Vande Bharat Express Train from Howrah to Puri was made on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag-off the train in mid-May