Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards enhancing rail infrastructure in Western Odisha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has extended the Howrah–Titlagarh Ispat Express to Junagarh Road, providing a significant connectivity boost to the region.
According to ECoR sources, the extension is expected to improve accessibility and create new opportunities for residents of the Bolangir and Kalahandi districts.
The inaugural run of the extended stretch between Junagarh Road and Titlagarh is scheduled for February 19, marking an important milestone in regional rail services.
“Train No-12871 (Howrah– Titlagarh Express) will now operate up to Junagarh Road starting February 21, departing from Howrah. Similarly, Train No. 12872 (Titlagarh–Howrah Express) will originate from Junagarh Road beginning February 22.
Between Titlagarh and Junagarh Road, the extended service will halt at Kesinga, Lanjigarh Road, and Bhawanipatna,” ECoR sources said.
All existing stoppages and timings between Howrah and Titlagarh will remain unchanged.
The train will continue to run as a superfast express between Howrah and Titlagarh and operate as a mail/express service on the Titlagarh–Junagarh Road section, it said.