President Droupadi Murmu Flags Off Three New Trains, Initiates Railway Upgrades in Odisha's Badampahar

In a significant move toward enhancing railway services, Indian President Smt Droupadi Murmu recently inaugurated three new trains from Badampahar Railway Station in Odisha on 21 Nov 2023. The flagged-off trains - Badampahar – Tatanagar MEMU, Badampahar – Rourkela Weekly Express, and Badampahar – Shalimar Weekly Express - aim to bolster connectivity and stimulate economic growth in remote tribal areas.

The initiative, a testament to Indian Railways' commitment to offer confirmed tickets instead of wait lists by 2027, marks a pivotal step. The Railways anticipates an increase in passenger numbers from 800 crore to 1,000 crore in the next few years, acknowledging the system's reputation as the safest and most cost-effective mode of national transportation.

President Murmu's inauguration aims to bridge the gap between tribal regions and urban centers, fostering local economies, healthcare accessibility, and tribal tourism. Notably, one of the trains commenced its journey from Badampahar to Rairangpur, a village close to the President's birthplace, underscoring her personal connection to the region.

Joined by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, the ceremony emphasized the Modi government's priority of connecting tribal areas. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of these trains in facilitating access to education, job opportunities, and medical services for residents, citing improved connectivity to prominent educational institutes, corporate hubs, and healthcare facilities.

Beyond economic benefits, the railway developments are poised to transform the tourism landscape. The Shalimar-Badampahar Weekly Express, a historic first-ever express train linking Shalimar in West Bengal to Odisha's Badampahar, promises increased tourism flow and greater exploration of northeastern Odisha's scenic beauty and lush forests.

President Murmu also laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Badampahar Railway Station under the Amrit Station Scheme, focusing on modernizing over 1,300 stations nationwide. The redevelopment, estimated at ?12.22 crore, is poised to significantly enhance rail infrastructure, bolster tourism prospects, and spur growth in Odisha.

The inauguration and station redevelopment mark a pivotal chapter in the region's history, propelling Badampahar onto the railway map after 91 years and heralding a new era of progress and connectivity for the tribal heartlands of Odisha.