PM to flag off Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express today, roll out projects worth Rs 8,000 cr for Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah and unveil railway projects worth Rs 8,000 crore for Odisha today via video conferencing.
The semi-high-speed train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities and will provide a faster, more comfortable and convenient travel experience to passengers, boost tourism and promote economic development in the region.

The train will pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts in Odisha and Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal, according to a PMO statement.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations. These modernized stations will offer world-class amenities, ensuring a pleasant and seamless experience for rail passengers, the statement explained.
The Prime Minister will dedicate 100 per cent electrification of the rail network in Odisha. This will reduce the operating and maintenance cost and reduce reliance on imported crude oil.
Besides, PM Modi will dedicate the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line; a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda; the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha.

These will cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in steel, power and mining sectors in Odisha and will also help ease the pressure on passenger traffic in these rail sections.

Also Read: Vande Bharat Express | Number Of Trains, Connectivities, & Routes