Banaras-Sambalpur train extended to Visakhapatnam

SAMBALPUR: The extension of Banaras-Sambalpur bi-weekly express to Visakhapatnam was flagged off by the railway minister, Ashiwini Vaishnaw and union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Sambalpur railway station on Monday.

Addressing a meeting at the station, Vaishnaw said, “Developmental work of around Rs 300 crore will be undertaken at the Sambalpur railway station, and it will be converted into a world class station.”

The railway minister further said, “The allocation of funds in railways for Odisha has increased. While earlier, it was Rs 800 crore per annum, the allocation has been increased to Rs 10,000 crore now. While prior to 2014, around 50 kilometers of railway track was being laid in Odisha, now 450 lilometers railway track is being laid in the state. ”

“Last year, 5,260 kilometers of railway track had been laid in the country. The pace will continue for the next 20 years to strengthen the railway communication,” said Vaishnaw

Speaking on the occasion, union minister for education, Dharmendra Pradhan said, the extension of Sambalpur-Banaras train will boost the trade, education and create the possibility of tourism development, he said.

Pradhan further said that India cannot be developed without the progress of Odisha and eastern part. "Developments mean more railway track, more roads and more ports," he said and urged the railway minister to start a Vande Bharat express from Sambalpur to Raipur.

Pradhan also urged the railway minister to start a train to Ayodhya, and accelerate the work of Khurda- Balangir railway railway line besides Talcher-Bimlagarh railway track.

The union education minister also attended Chhat Puja rituals at Naleswar dham at Baraipali besides at Mandlia in Sambalppur city before attending the programme at the railway station.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages. quotes.