In a momentous event, Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Gopinathpur Nilgiri-Balasore New Memu Train service, marking a significant stride in expanding rail connectivity in Odisha. The ceremony celebrated dedication of the New Balasore-Gopinathpur Nilgiri Passenger Line and laid the foundation stone for Subway at Betnoti and also inaugurated PRS Booking Counter at Betnoti Station.
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Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India flagged off Gopinathpur Nilgiri – Balasore new MEMU train service and dedicated to the nation the new Balasore-Gopinathpur Nilgiri passenger line at a colourful function held at Gopinathpur Nilgiri Railway Station.
The Railway Minister congratulated the local people of Gopinathpur Nilgiri for getting the first ever passenger train connectivity up to Balasore. He said that, with a view to extend the Railway Network in the state of Odisha, Indian Railways has fulfilled the commitment of New station Building, New Passenger Line and New MEMU Service for the area.
Brief about the Projects:
- Three pairs of MEMU trains will run over this route daily. The regular run of the MEMU trains will commence from 14.01.2024 and All MEMU Trains will stop at Sutei Badagan station enroute.
- Later, at a function held at Betnoti station, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways laid the foundation stone for the Subway at Betnoti station.
- The Subway will be constructed as a part of providing more passenger amenities.
- It will ensure smooth entry and exit of passengers and free movement of local people.
- He has also inaugurated the New PRS Counter at Betnoti Station.
- The newly opened PRS Counter will provide a convenient and time saving ticket booking facility for the local residents.
Shri Bishweswar Tudu, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble MP and Shri Sanatan Bijuli, Hon’ble MLA were present during the function held at Betnoti. Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble MP and Shri Sukanta Kumar Nayak, Hon’ble MLA were present at the inaugural function held at Gopinathpur Nilgiri.
Shri Anil Kumar Mishra, General Manager, South Eastern Railway welcomed the Railway Minister and other guests at both the functions held at Gopinathpur Nilgiri and Betnoti. Shri K R Chaudhary, Divisional Railway Manager, Kharagpur and other Principal officers of South Eastern Railway were also present at the functions.
Balasore-Gopinathpur Nilgiri Memu Service:
- With the inauguration of a new passenger line between Gopinathpur Nilgiri and Balasore, the people of this area will be able to avail passenger train services for the very first time. Three pairs of MEMU trains will run over this route daily.
- The students, professionals, small vendors, daily commuters as well as the local people will be immensely benefited with this new rail connectivity. The passengers can avail the MEMU train services in morning, afternoon and evening hours as per their convenience. These train services will also promote tourism and local trade.
Inauguration of PRS Booking Counter at Betnoti Station:
The newly opened PRS Counter will be beneficial for the passengers of this area for booking of reserved tickets. They can save time and book tickets for any destination in the country. Passengers will also be able to check availability and current status of tickets at the counter.
Foundation Stone Laying for Subway at Betnoti Station:
As a part of providing more passenger amenities, a Subway will be constructed at Betnoti Station. It will ensure smooth entry and exit of passengers to the station and will help them to change the platforms safely. The local residents will also be able to commute through the subway without crossing the railway track.
This momentous occasion signifies a significant leap in railway connectivity, promising improved accessibility and amenities for the people of Gopinathpur Nilgiri and its neighbouring regions.
Source: South Eastern Railway- Press Release | Images Credit: MoR
