Odisha’s second Vande Bharat Express undergoes trial run
The train which would run between Puri and Rourkela aims to connect the state’s coastal districts with the western region
The full trial run of the Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express, the second such train from the state, was conducted on Wednesday (September 20), officials said.
According to officials, the train departed from the station in Puri at 5 am to reach Bhubaneswar at 6.05 am, and left after five minutes for the onward journey. After brief halts at Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul, it reached Sambalpur at 10.15 am. The train was supposed to reach its destination, Rourkela, at 12.45 pm, they said.
Earlier, a trail run was held between Puri and Talcher Road stations, they added.
On its return journey, the train will leave Rourkela at 2.10 pm and reach Puri at 9.40 pm, covering the distance in 7.5 hours, officials said.
"This is a historic moment for Rourkela. First, we got a flight, and now, the Vande Bharat Express. Rourkela's connectivity is getting enhanced, and this is good for all," said Sunil Kayal, the president of the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI).
The train will connect the coastal districts of the state to its western region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off Odisha's first Vande Bharat Express, which operates between Puri and Howrah, in May.
(With inputs from agencies)
