Indian Railways enhancing connectivity in Jharkhand, Odisha tribal areas; President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates 3 trains – Know routes, travel time and more – Railways News

In a bid to enhance connectivity in the tribal regions of Jharkhand and Odisha, Indian Railways is set to introduce three new trains. President Droupadi Murmu, who is currently on a visit to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated these new trains, including Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU, Badampahar-Rourkela Weekly Express, and Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly Express, on Tuesday (November 21).

The President of India will also travel from Badampahar to Rairangpur on the Badampahar-Shalimar Express. These new train services will enhance connectivity in tribal belts, facilitating faster travel to Kolkata, Howrah, and Tatanagar. They are also expected to boost growth and development in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha. Moreover, the accessibility will provide easy access to educational institutes, corporate houses, and medical facilities for students, job aspirants, and patients.

Train No. 18049/18050 Shalimar-Badampahar-Shalimar Weekly Express

Departure from Shalimar every Saturday at 23:05 hrs, reaching Badampahar at 05:40 hrs the next day. Return journey from Badampahar every Sunday at 21:30 hrs, arriving at Shalimar at 05:00 hrs the next day.

First-ever Express Train connectivity between Shalimar/Kolkata and Badampahar, also serving as the first overnight Express Train Service from Badampahar/Rairangpur area.

Notably, this will provide the first-time-ever Express Train connectivity between Shalimar/Kolkata (West Bengal) and Badampahar (Odisha). This train will also be the first overnight Express Train Service from Badampahar/Rairangpur area.

Train No. 18051/18052 Badampahar-Rourkela-Badampahar Weekly Express

Departure from Badampahar every Sunday at 06:10 hrs, reaching Rourkela at 11:40 hrs the same day. Return journey from Rourkela every Sunday at 14:20 hrs, arriving at Badampahar at 19:25 hrs the same day.

It may be noted that this Express Train will connect the Steel City of India to mineral-rich areas of Badampahar and this connectivity is expected to have a positive impact on business and industry.

Train No. 08147/08148 Tatanagar-Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU

Departure from Tatanagar at 09:55 hrs, reaching Badampahar at 12:15 hrs. Return journey from Badampahar at 12:45 hrs, arriving at Tatanagar at 15:20 hrs. This train will act as a passway between the backward areas of Odisha with the industrial area of Jharkhand. 

This additional MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) Train Service will prove to be very crucial for local businessmen, small traders, daily workers. 

Redevelopment of Badampahar Railway Station

Additionally, President Murmu is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the station’s redevelopment. The station was earmarked under the Amrit Station Scheme with an allocation of 12.22 crores.

The new station building will have an iconic contemporary style, green patches in circulating areas, canopy, parking facilities, road network redevelopment, platform extension, divyang-friendly facilities, and more.