New Delhi, November 20, 2023- A momentous occasion unfolded today as President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated three groundbreaking train services, marking a transformative leap in connectivity for the tribal regions of Jharkhand and Odisha. The newly launched trains – Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU, Badampahar-Rourkela Weekly Express, and Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly Express – promise to redefine travel for diverse segments of the population.
President Murmu, currently on a visit to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, personally flagged off the inaugural journeys of these trains, symbolizing a commitment to fostering faster and more efficient transportation in these vital regions.
The Badampahar-Shalimar Express, a unique overnight service, establishes a historic connection between Shalimar/Kolkata and Badampahar/Odisha, traversing mineral-rich landscapes in Odisha and industrial zones in Jharkhand. This opens up new possibilities for the people in these areas, enabling travel to Kolkata and Howrah for various purposes.
The Badampahar-Rourkela Weekly Express, linking the mineral-rich areas of Badampahar with Rourkela, holds the promise of positively impacting business and industry. Simultaneously, the Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU service, an additional Mainline Electric Multiple Unit Train, connects the crucial industrial city of Tatanagar with the mineral-rich Badampahar area.
In a holistic approach to regional development, President Murmu also laid the foundation stone for the ambitious redevelopment of Badampahar Railway Station under the Amrit Station Scheme. With an earmarked budget of 12.22 crores, the station’s facelift includes an iconic contemporary building, green spaces, canopies, parking facilities, and improved accessibility features.
This strategic initiative by Indian Railways not only addresses the immediate need for enhanced connectivity but also aligns with the broader vision of modernizing transportation infrastructure. The ripple effects of this endeavor are expected to stimulate growth, encourage tourism, and propel the socio-economic development of Jharkhand and Odisha’s tribal areas.
