Bhubaneswar, July 6 -- The new PuriKoraput Express has been launched to improve rail connectivity across Odisha, offering direct service between the state's pilgrimage hub and the tribal heartland. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the inaugural train from Bhubaneswar railway station on Monday.

Operated by the East Coast Railway (ECoR), the new express service is expected to benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, traders and local residents by improving access to major religious, educational, healthcare and commercial centres across the state.

According to ECoR, the launch of the train fulfils a long-standing demand for direct rail connectivity between Puri and Koraput.

According to a report by The Indian Express...