Railway Min Vaishnaw approves extension of Sambalpur-Banaras express upto Visakhapatnam via Titlagarh & Rayagada

In a significant development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved a much demanded train service for the Southern and Western regions of Odisha, fulfilling a public aspiration. 

This much-anticipated move, announced during the Railway Minister’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra to the Southern and Western districts of Odisha, marks a major leap forward in enhancing rail connectivity for the residents of the region.

During his visit, Ashwini Vaishnaw received a deluge of demands from the public and various associations, all centered on a common theme: the need for direct train services connecting Banaras and Visakhapatnam. Responding to these appeals, the Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the Sambalpur-Banaras Express, connecting Banaras (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh to Sambalpur in Odisha, all the way to Visakhapatnam, touching key towns en route, including Titlagarh and Rayagada.

The extended train, known as 18311 Visakhapatnam-Banaras Express, will depart from Visakhapatnam at 0410hrs every Wednesday and Sunday. In the opposite direction, the 18312 Banaras-Visakhapatnam Express will leave Banaras at 1500hrs every Thursday and Monday, heading towards Visakhapatnam. 

This well-planned schedule aims to cater to the convenience of passengers traveling in both directions.

This development is a game-changer for the people of Southern and Western Odisha. For those in Southern Odisha, direct access to Banaras has long been a cherished dream, particularly for those who undertake rituals in Allahabad and Varanasi. 

Additionally, the extension of this train from Sambalpur to Visakhapatnam will serve as a lifeline for the residents of Western and Southern Odisha travelling for various other reasons.

The newly extended train service will have stoppages at several crucial stations along the way, including Bargarh Rd, Balangir, Titilagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Parvatipuram, Bobbili, Vizianagaram, and Kottavalasa. The exact date of the train’s extension will be announced shortly, enabling passengers to plan their journeys effectively.

This expansion of rail services is a testament to the government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people and improving infrastructure to benefit all. With this enhanced train facility, Southern and Western Odisha are gearing up for the upcoming Puja festivities with newfound connectivity and optimism for the future.

In conclusion, this announcement heralds a new era of connectivity and convenience for the people of Southern and Western Odisha and Northern Andhra Pradesh. It promises not only to ease travel for religious purposes but also to boost economic development in the areas it serves. 

As the trains prepare to roll out on their extended routes, anticipation and excitement are palpable among the residents of these regions, who eagerly await the benefits of improved rail connectivity.