Bhubaneswar: Amid trial run of Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, Minister Tukuni Sahu wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking introduction of the semi-high speed train on three routes for better passenger convenience and faster travel options to businessmen, tourists and aspiring people of Odisha.
In her letter, Sahu wrote that Odisha had been demanding rapid expansion of the rail network to boost economic growth. Unfortunately, Vande Bharat Express trains have been introduced across the country to give faster connectivity, except in Odisha. “I would like to request you to introduce Vande Bharat Express trains through Odisha to meet the growing aspirations of people. I request you to introduce the Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Howrah to offer faster travel options to passengers,” Sahu wrote on Thursday.
“As you are aware, there are very few faster trains that connect Western Odisha and the state capital. I would request you to introduce the Vande Bharat Express train between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur which will facilitate faster passenger movement from Western Odisha districts to the state capital. It will boost intra-state economic activity and connect the airports in Jharsuguda, Rourkela and Bhubaneswar,” she said.
“As you are aware, a large number of people from Odisha are staying in Hyderabad. I would also like to request you to introduce another Vande Bharat Express train connecting Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad which will facilitate faster movement of passengers between the two capital cities,” the minister said.
“I, therefore, request you 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,” she concluded.
