The Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan flagged off Sambalpur-Hatia-Gorakhpur Maurya Express from Sambalpur Railway Station on Friday.
Rengali MLA Nauri Nayak and other dignitaries were present at the event as well. The train departs Sambalpur on its first voyage as a special train. On the other hand, the regular service in the enlarged section of this train will begin at a later date that will be announced soon. This train has been extended to Sambalpur without interfering with the planned schedule of stops and schedules between Hatia and Gorakhpur.
This train’s expansion to Sambalpur is a huge deal for the people of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. For people in Western Odisha who are traveling for business, education, or medical treatment, the train’s expansion from Sambalpur to Gorakhpur will be a lifesaver. Additionally, as Gorakhpur and Sambalpur have direct connectivity, it would promote tourism and cross-cultural interchange.
Between Sambalpur and Hatia, the train will stop at several important stops, including Rengali, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela. Tushar Kant Pandey, Divisional Railway Manager, had earlier welcomed the dignitaries and guests.