The Gopinathpur Nilgiri-Balasore passenger railway line was officially opened on Saturday by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He also announced the launch of a recently launched MEMU train service. Three pairs of MEMU trains will travel this route every day, according to an official statement. Starting on Sunday, all MEMU trains will operate on a regular schedule, with a stop at Sutei Badagan station along the way. The railway minister commended the Gopinathpur Nilgiri community for achieving the first-ever passenger train connectivity to Balasore. He said that in order to expand the railway network in Odisha, Indian Railways has built the new passenger line, the new station building, and the new MEMU service for the region.
MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi and MLA Sukanta Kumar Naya were present at the occasion.
Later, at a function, Ashwini Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for Subway at Betnoti station. The subway will be constructed as part of providing more passenger amenities. It will ensure smooth entry and exit of passengers and free movement of local people, as per the statement.
The official press release further stated that he also inaugurated the new PRS counter at Betnoti Station, “which will provide a convenient and time-saving ticket booking facility for residents”.
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. KR Chaudhary, Divisional Railway Manager, Kharagpur and other principal officers of South Eastern Railway were also present.