Odisha is increasingly becoming a key focus in Indian Railways’ push to modernise passenger services, with the introduction and expansion of both Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express trains enhancing connectivity across the state.
Vande Bharat Express: Premium Intercity Connectivity
The Vande Bharat Express series represents India’s modern, semi-high-speed rail vision, offering faster intercity travel with advanced onboard facilities. As of late 2025, Indian Railways operates over 140 Vande Bharat services nationwide, with six routes serving Odisha, including:
Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express
Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
Brahmapur-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express
Raipur-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express
These services connect Odisha’s cultural, industrial, and economic hubs with neighbouring states, improving mobility for commuters, tourists, and business travellers. The Puri-Howrah route, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was Odisha’s first Vande Bharat service, linking Puri to Kolkata via Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Amrit Bharat Express: Affordable Modern Long-Distance Travel
Complementing the premium Vande Bharat services, Amrit Bharat Express trains provide long-distance travel with modern facilities, high-capacity LHB coaches, and enhanced passenger amenities at affordable fares. Odisha is part of several routes, including:
Udhna (Surat) – Brahmapur Amrit Bharat Express (Tri-weekly)
Malda Town – Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express (Weekly)
Other Amrit Bharat Express services passing through Odisha include Tambaram–Santragachi, Tiruchirappalli–New Jalpaiguri, Bengaluru–Alipur Duar, Nagercoil–New Jalpaiguri, Bengaluru–Radhikapur, and Bengaluru–Balurghat. Key stops in Odisha include Berhampur, Balugaon, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to launch six Amrit Bharat Express trains along with two Vande Bharat sleeper services on January 17-18.
Broader Modernisation Initiatives
Odisha’s inclusion in the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat networks forms part of Indian Railways’ TAG 2026 modernisation drive, which involves:
Introduction of over 120 new trains nationwide
Speed enhancements for nearly 550 existing services
Upgrades to infrastructure, safety, and passenger comfort
Station Redevelopment under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Alongside new train services, Odisha’s major railway stations are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Puri Railway Station, for example, has upgraded passenger lounges, waiting areas, and accessibility facilities. These improvements aim to reduce congestion, enhance traveller experience, and boost rail ridership.
By combining faster, safer, and more comfortable train services with modernised stations, Odisha is emerging as a prominent hub in India’s rail transformation agenda, benefiting economically and socially from improved connectivity to national corridors.
