Historic Rail Milestone: President Droupadi Murmu Launches First-Ever Express Train Services from Badampahar, Odisha
Badampahar, Odisha: On November 21, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a groundbreaking era for Odisha’s rail connectivity, flagging off three new trains and laying the foundation stone for Badampahar Railway Station’s redevelopment under the Amrit Station Scheme.
The newly introduced services promise enhanced mobility for Eastern Odisha residents, connecting Badampahar, Rourkela (Jharkhand), and Shalimar (West Bengal). Present at the ceremony were dignitaries including Governor Raghubar Das, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other key officials.
The upgraded station aims to provide world-class travel experiences, with the project costing an estimated Rs. 12.22 crores. The new rail routes are set to boost tourism, accelerate growth, and improve access to education and health services in the region. The schedule for the introduced trains is detailed below:
- Tatanagar-Badampahar-Tatanagar MEMU (08147/08148):
- Departure from Tatanagar: 09.55 hrs
- Arrival at Badampahar: 12.15 hrs
- Departure from Badampahar: 12.45 hrs
- Arrival at Tatanagar: 15.20 hrs
- Operational days: Six days a week (except Sundays)
- Enroute stoppages: Haludpukur, Sidhirsai, Bahalda Road, Aunlajori, Rairangpur, Kuldiha, and Chhanua stations.
- Badampahar-Rourkela-Badampahar Express (18051/18052):
- Departure from Badampahar: Every Sunday at 06.30 hrs
- Arrival at Rourkela: Same day at 11.45 hrs
- Departure from Rourkela: Every Sunday at 14.20 hrs
- Arrival at Badampahar: Same day at 19.25 hrs
- Enroute stoppages: Rairangpur, Aunlajori, Bahalda Road, Tatanagar, Sini, Rajkharswan, Chakradharpur, Goilkera, and Manoharpur stations.
- Badampahar-Shalimar-Badampahar Express (18050/18049):
- Departure from Shalimar: Every Saturday at 23.05 hrs
- Arrival at Badampahar: Next day at 05.40 hrs
- Departure from Badampahar: Every Sunday at 22.00 hrs
- Arrival at Shalimar: Next day at 05.30 hrs
- Enroute stoppages: Santragachi, Kharagpur, Jhargram, Ghatsila, Tatanagar, Bahalda Road, Aunlajori, and Rairangpur stations.
