The Odisha unit of the CPI(M) has demanded that the Railways provide a daily fast passenger train connecting Berhampur and Puri before the start of Rath Yatra in July this year.
The party has approached the Divisional Railway Manager of Khurda Road division of East Coast Railways. The party also held a demonstration and public awareness programme in front of Berhampur railway station on Tuesday night. Senior party leaders including Jagannath Mishra, Kailash Sadangi, Yudhisthir Nayak as well as activists of various trade unions of Berhampur were present.
According to the party, Berhampur station is a major railway link for inhabitants of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. Puri, considered to be one of the four revered ‘dhams’ of Hinduism, has special attraction for people of this region. Every day thousands travel from Berhampur to Puri to visit Sri Jagannath temple. During Rathyatra festival, this number increases many folds. At present, except for Ahmedabad-Puri express (five days a week), Okha-Puri express (once a weekl), Tirupati-Puri express (five days a week), there is no direct train between Berhampur and Puri and vice-versa.
Berhampur CPI(M) secretary Yudhisthir Behera said for the commoners, a fast passenger train will provide economical travel facility between the two stations. The passenger train ticket from Berhampur to Puri costs only Rs.45 which is quite less compared than the bus and express train fare.
At present, most persons travelling to Puri from Berhampur prefer the Berhampur-Cuttack fast passenger to reach Khurda Road from where they take another passenger train to reach Puri by spending only Rs.45 . Thus, the party has decided to press upon the Railways to start a daily fast passenger service connecting Berhampur and Puri before the Rathyatra this year to serve thousands of economically backward citizens of south Odisha.
Apart from it, the party has also demanded both foot-over-bridges at Berhampur railway station to connect platform one and four. At present, the old foot-over-bridge is not connected to platform number four.
