Odisha MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy formally petitioned Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to extend the Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express further south to Berhampur. 

The request aims to bridge a significant transport gap for residents in Ganjam district and the wider southern region of the state.

Medical and Economic Impact

In a formal correspondence, Panigrahy noted that a direct link from the “Silk City” would be a major asset for local professionals employed in Bokaro, as reported by Times Of India. 

Additionally, the extension is viewed as a critical service for patients requiring transit to the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) located in Ranchi. Beyond essential travel, the MP suggested that the move would provide a timely boost to the regional tourism sector, specifically benefiting the Chilika and Gopalpur-on-Sea areas.

Service Background

The express service, which covers a distance of 776 km over roughly 14 hours and 35 minutes, was recently upgraded from a special service to a regular daily fixture in March. 

Panigrahy expressed confidence that the Railway Ministry would act on the proposal to improve public convenience.

Current Route and Daily Schedule

At present, the train services several key hubs within Odisha, including Cuttack, Angul, and Sambalpur. The current daily itinerary is as follows:

Bhubaneswar (Departure): 20:25
Cuttack Jn: Arrives 20:55; Departs 21:00
Dhenkanal: Arrives 21:57; Departs 21:59
Talcher Road: Arrives 22:42; Departs 22:44
Angul: Arrives 22:45; Departs 22:47
Sambalpur City Jn: Arrives 01:07; Departs 01:12
Jharsuguda Jn: Arrives 02:20; Departs 02:25
Rourkela Jn: Arrives 03:40; Departs 03:45
Hatia: Arrives 06:10; Departs 06:15
Ranchi Jn: Arrives 06:30; Departs 06:35
Muri Jn: Arrives 07:42; Departs 07:44
Bokaro Steel City: Arrives 08:55; Departs 09:00
Dhanbad Jn (Arrival): 11:00