A demand has been raised to name the newly proposed train service between Koraput and Puri as Deomali Express, while also seeking direct rail connectivity from Koraput to New Delhi. A representation in this regard was submitted to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw by members of the Zilla Sarpanch Mahasangh, Koraput, through the district administration on Wednesday.
Welcoming the New Train Service
The delegation welcomed the Centre's proposal for a new train service linking Koraput with Puri, calling it a long-pending demand of the people of the undivided Koraput region. The delegation urged the railway ministry to name it Deomali Express.
"We request the ministry to consider naming the train as Deomali Express as it represents the identity and tourism potential of the region," said Laba Muduli, president of the Mahasangh.
Proposal to Originate from Jeypore
The representatives also proposed that the train should originate from Jeypore instead of Koraput, citing the town's importance as a commercial hub for people from Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.
Need for Direct Connectivity to New Delhi
Further, the memorandum highlighted the absence of direct train connectivity between Koraput and New Delhi despite the presence of major institutions and establishments such as the Central University of Odisha, SLN Medical College and Hospital, NALCO, HAL Sunabeda, BSF units, and several irrigation projects in the district. Students, officials, patients, and tourists are forced to depend on railway stations at Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, or Raipur to travel to the national capital. Direct connectivity to New Delhi will significantly benefit the people of the region, the representatives said.
Appeal for Regional Development
The delegation appealed to the railway ministry to consider the demands in the interest of regional development and better connectivity for the people of southern Odisha.
