NaomiLoftis490 at 17:34, 15 March 2026

2026-03-15T17:34:09Z

New page

{{Short description|Railway route of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width = 28em
| name = Kharagpur–Puri Line<br />''including'' Cuttack–Paradip Line
| color =
| logo =
| logo_width =
| image = Cuttack railway station.JPG
| image_width = 330px
| caption = [[Cuttack Junction railway station|Cuttack Junction]] is an important railway station on Kharagpur-Puri line
| type =
| system =
| status = Operational
| locale = [[Odisha]], [[West Bengal]]
| start = {{stnlnk|Kharagpur}}
| end = {{stnlnk|Puri}}
| stations =
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
| open = 1901
| close =
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[East Coast Railway zone|East Coast Railway]], [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]]
| character =
| depot =
| stock =
| linelength =
| tracklength = {{convert|407|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| tracks = 2
| gauge = {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]]
| old_gauge =
| minradius =
| racksystem =
| electrification = Yes
| speed = up to {{convert|130|km/h|abbr=on}}
| elevation =
| website =
| map = {{Kharagpur–Puri line|inline=1}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}
The '''Kharagpur–Puri Line''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk|Kharagpur}} in the Indian state of [[West Bengal]] and {{stnlnk|Puri}} in [[Odisha]]. The total line can be divided into sections. The Kharagpur–Khurda Road portion of this line, which is a part of the [[Howrah–Chennai main line]] and Khurda Road - Puri portion.

== Kharagpur–Khurda Road Section ==
This section lies on the main Howrah-Chennai line. The length of this section is 363.1 km, and there are 65 intermediary stations.
The important stations in this sections are {{stnlnk|Balasore}}, {{stnlnk|Bhadrak}}, {{stnlnk|Jajpur Keonjhar Road}}, {{stnlnk|Cuttack Junction}} and {{stnlnk|Bhubaneswar}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/all/3540/167/219 | title=Full Time-Table for Kharagpur - Khurda Road Express/18021: Kharagpur to Khurda Road - Railway Enquiry }}</ref>

== Khurda Road- Puri Section ==
The length of this section is 43.8 km, and there are 9 intermediary stations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/all/34490/219/217 | title=Full Time-Table for Khurda Road - Puri Passenger Special (UnReserved)/08403: Khurda Road to Puri - Railway Enquiry }}</ref>

==Geography==
The Kharagpur–Puri line traverses the northern part of the [[Eastern Coastal Plains]] crossing such rivers as [[Subarnarekha River|Subarnarekha]], [[Baitarani River|Baitarani]], [[Brahmani River|Brahmani]] and [[Mahanadi River|Mahanadi]]. The coastal plains lying between the [[Eastern Ghats]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]] are fertile agricultural lands with high density of population. The line enters the large delta of the {{convert|900|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long [[Mahanadi River|Mahanadi]], with a series of channels, near [[Cuttack]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/india/Coastal-Plains-of-India/3029| title = Coastal Plains of India| publisher = Country facts – the world at your finger tips| access-date = 2013-01-17| archive-date = 30 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130530005857/http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/india/Coastal-Plains-of-India/3029| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.zahie.com/categories/details/social-studies/the-coastal-plains-of-india.html| title = The Coastal Plains of India| publisher = Zahie.com| access-date = 2013-01-17| archive-date = 18 September 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190918025928/http://www.zahie.com/categories/details/social-studies/the-coastal-plains-of-india.html| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.geol.lsu.edu/WDD/ASIAN/Mahanadi/mahanadi.htm |title = Mahanadi River Delta, India, Asia|publisher= The World Delta Database| access-date = 2013-01-17 }}</ref>

==History==
===Howrah–Chennai main line===
During the period 1893 to 1896, {{convert|1287|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} of [[East Coast State Railway]] was built and opened to traffic. It necessitated construction of some of the largest bridges across rivers like [[Brahmani River|Brahmani]], [[Kathajodi River|Kathajodi]], Kuakhai and Birupa. [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]'s line to Cuttack was fully opened after completion of the bridge over the [[Mahanadi]] in 1901.<ref name=ser>{{cite web | url = http://www.ser.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1 | title = Major Events in the Formation of S.E. Railway | publisher = South Eastern Railway | access-date = 2013-01-02 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130401151628/http://www.ser.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1 | archive-date = 1 April 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The {{convert|514|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} long northern section of the East Coast State Railway was merged with BNR in 1902.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eastcoastrail.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,261 | title = History | publisher = East Coast Railway | access-date = 2013-01-02 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110131114416/http://www.eastcoastrail.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1%2C261 | archive-date = 31 January 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The Khurda Road–Puri section was opened to traffic on 1 February 1897.<ref name=ser/>

The Khurda Road–Puri section have double lines in operation since July 2015.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/94803-ecors-rs279-cr-plan-for-bhubaneswar-puri.html| title = ECoR's Rs. 279-cr plan for Bhubaneswar, Puri| work = The Pioneer| date = 16 September 2012| access-date = 2013-01-02| archive-date = 26 September 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130926030421/http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/94803-ecors-rs279-cr-plan-for-bhubaneswar-puri.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Mayurbhanj links===
"Work has been begun by the Bengal–Nagpur Railway on the construction of a line from Kalimati to [[Gorumahisani|Gurumaishini]] hill, from which the iron ore is to be obtained."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P10_5B-S9D0C&q=Mayurbhanj+gazetteer+railway+kalimati&pg=PA217|title=Bengal District Gazetteers – Singhbhum, Saraikela and Kharsawan (first published 1910)|last=O'Malley|first=L. S. S.|publisher=Logos Press, Building No. 4788-90, Street No. 23, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi–110002|work=page 217|year=2011|isbn=9788172682156|access-date=2013-01-02}}</ref>(Kalimati later became Jamshedpur/Tatanagar). That was the railway's early foray into Mayurbhanj State.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-22 |title=Railway museum to come up in Baripada |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/Nov/22/railway-museum-to-come-up-in-baripada-2226525.html |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> (Details of the Tatanagar–Gourmahisani line are available in [[Asansol–Tatanagar–Kharagpur line]].)

However, even before that [[Mayurbhanj State Railway]] linked [[Rupsa, India|Rupsa]] on the [[Howrah–Chennai main line]] with {{stnlnk|Baripada}} through a narrow-gauge line in 1905 and then extended it further.<ref name=Mayurbhanj>{{cite web| url = http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mayurbhanj-state-railway/474611 |title = Mayurbhanj State Railway | last= Singh|first= Vikas|publisher= Express News Service|date=11 June 2009| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref> In his ''The East Coast'', Ian Manning has jotted down the experience of his travel in the narrow-gauge train.[http://www.irfca.org/articles/manning/rupsa.html] The [[Rupsa-Baripada-Bangriposi line|Rupsa–Baripada–Bangriposi line]] was converted to broad gauge between 1996 and 2006.<ref name=Mayurbhanj/>

===Paradip and other port links===
The foundation stone of the Cuttack–Paradip line was laid by Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] on 31 January 1962. It was opened to traffic in 1973.<ref name=ser/>

Opened in 1966, [[Paradip Port]] has laid out plans to expand its cargo-handling capacity from 76 million tonnes annually to 237 million tonnes by 2020. The entrance and approach channels are being deepened to handle vessels up to 1,25,000 DWT (slightly smaller than [[capesize]] vessels).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/paradip-port| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130803021423/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/paradip-port| url-status = dead| archive-date = 3 August 2013|title = Paradip port in expansion mode|date=4 April 2011| work = [[The Times of India]]| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.paradipport.gov.in/| title = Paradip Port Trust| access-date = 2013-01-02| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180224035244/http://paradipport.gov.in/| archive-date = 24 February 2018| url-status = dead}}</ref>

[[Dhamra Port]], opened in 2011, has the capacity to handle [[capesize]] vessels up to 1,80,000 DWT. It is linked to Bhadrak with a 62 km long railway line. It is a joint venture of [[Larsen & Toubro]] and [[Tata Steel]].<ref>{{cite news| url = http://m.indianexpress.com/story_mobile.php?storyid=889344|title = Finally, Dhamra port commissioned|newspaper= The Indian Express| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://article.wn.com/view/2011/12/18/Dhamra_port_dedicated_to_nation/ |title = Dhamra port dedicated to nation|work= Deccan Chronicle|date=18 December 2011| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=19348 |title = Singapore Co Gets Odisha Nod for Dhamra Port|work= Business Standard|date=3 April 1998| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref>

Apart from Dhamra, new ports are coming up at [[Kirtania port|Kirtania]] at the mouth of the [[Subarnarekha River|Subarnarekha]], [[Astaranga]] in [[Puri district]] and Chudamani in [[Bhadrak district]]<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/12/14/stories/2009121451090500.htm |title = Odisha to become a State of ports | work=The Hindu Business Line|date=14 December 2009 | access-date = 2010-04-27 }}</ref> The 41 km long newly sanctioned line connecting {{stnlnk|Digha}} in West Bengal with Jaleswar on the Kharagpur–Puri line is expected to serve the new port at Kirtania.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ser.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,412,753,764| title = Upcoming projects in South Eastern Railway| publisher = South Eastern Railway| access-date = 2013-01-02| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130401094258/http://www.ser.indianrailways.gov.in//view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C2%2C412%2C753%2C764| archive-date = 1 April 2013| df = dmy-all}}</ref> Astaranga port will be connected to Bhubaneswar New Station on the Khurda Road–Puri line.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.odishatoday.com/Business/MoU_signed_for_Greenfield_port_at_Astaranga_231208-45187541797.html| title = MoU signed for Greenfield port at Astaranga| work = Odisha Today| access-date = 2013-01-02| archive-date = 20 February 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100220192907/http://www.odishatoday.com/Business/MoU_signed_for_Greenfield_port_at_Astaranga_231208-45187541797.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Coalfield and iron ore mines links===
[[Talcher Coalfield]] with reserves of 38.65 billion tonnes, the highest in India,<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf | title =Coal Resources of India (As on 1.1.2004) | publisher =Coal Wing, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata | access-date =2012-11-30 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120327022156/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf | archive-date =27 March 2012 | df =dmy-all }}</ref> is located on the [[Cuttack–Sambalpur line]].

The Barbil–Joda region is the highest iron ore-producing region in the country, with an annual output of around 40 million tonnes of lump and fines.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://business-standard.com/india/news/poor-demand-higher-scrap-import-hit-iron-ore-lump-rates/479428/ |title =Poor demand, higher scrap import hit iron ore lump prices|last= Mohapatra |first= Sadananda| work= Business Standard|date=5 July 2012| access-date = 2012-12-10 }}</ref> This region, as well as the Daitari-Kalinganagar mining-industrial region is linked through the Padapahar–Jakhapura and Kharasuan–Barbil lines. (See [[Tatanagar–Bilaspur section]] for more information.)

==Electrification==
[[Howrah–Chennai Mail]] was the first train in South Eastern Railway to be hauled by a diesel engine ([[WDM-1]]) in 1965.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history4.html |title = IR History: Part - IV (1947-1970)| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref>

The Howrah–Chennai route was completely electrified by 2005.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history7.html |title = IR History Part VII (2000–present) | publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref> Electrification was in stages. Hijli–Bakhrabad was electrified in 1998–99, Bakhrabad–Jaleswar in 2000–01, Jaleswar–Amarda Road in 2001–02, Amarda Road–Balasore in 2002–03, Balasore–Ranital in 2003–04, Bhadrak–Kenduapara in 1998–99, Kapilas Road–Rajatgarh in 2003–04, Rajatgarh–Barang in 2002–03, Barang–Bhubaneswar in 2002–03, and Bhubaneswar-Khurda Road in 2001–02.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html|title = History of Electrification| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref>

==Speed limits==
The entire Kharagpur–Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada main line is classified as a "Group B" line which can take speeds up to 130 km/h. Some of the branch lines such as Talcher–Rajatgarh–Salegaon–Nergundi, Cuttack–Paradeep, Radhakishorepur–Rajathgarh–Barang, Kapilas Road–Salegaon and Radhakishorepur–Machapur are classified as Group 'D Spl' lines. These sections already carry high traffic density or are likely to grow substantially in future. The sanctioned speed limit for such lines is 100 km/h.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/IRPWM/PermanentWayManualCh2_data.htm |title = Chapter II – The Maintenance of Permanent Way| access-date = 2013-01-02 }}</ref>

==Railway reorganization==
The [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]] was nationalized in 1944.<ref name=ser/>[[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]] was formed on 14 April 1952 with the portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]] east of [[Mughalsarai]] and the Bengal Nagpur Railway.<ref name=zones>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone |title = Geography – Railway Zones| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 2012-11-21 }}</ref> In 1955, [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]] was carved out of Eastern Railway. It comprised lines mostly operated by BNR earlier.<ref name=zones/><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history4.html |title = IR History: Part - IV (1947 - 1970)| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 2012-11-21 }}</ref> Amongst the new zones started in April 2003 were [[East Coast Railway zone|East Coast Railway]] and [[South East Central Railway zone|South East Central Railway]]. Both these railways were carved out of South Eastern Railway.<ref name=zones/>

==Passenger movement==
{{stnlnk|Kharagpur}}, {{stnlnk|Cuttack}}, {{stnlnk|Bhubaneswar}} and {{stnlnk|Puri}}, on this line, are amongst the top hundred booking stations of Indian Railway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/7days_Avl.html |title=Indian Railways Passenger Reservation Enquiry |work=Availability in trains for Top 100 Booking Stations of Indian Railways |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=2012-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510115649/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/7days_Avl.html |archive-date=10 May 2014 }}</ref>

==Accidents==
{{main|2023 Odisha train collision}}
In June 2023, at least 280 were killed after [[trains collide]]d near [[Bahanaga Bazar railway station]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-03 |title=India train crash kills over 280, injures 900; Modi visits disaster site |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-no-more-survivors-found-after-india-train-crash-kills-over-280-injures/ |access-date=2023-06-03}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{external media
| float=right
| video1= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvXclgA__sU Faluknama Express passing over Mahanadi bridge]
}}

|{{Railways in Eastern India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kharagpur-Puri line}}
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Odisha]]
[[Category:Rail transport in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Khurda Road railway division|*]]
[[Category:Kharagpur railway division|*]]
[[Category:Transport in Kharagpur]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Puri]]

Kharagpur–Puri line - Revision history

NaomiLoftis490 at 17:34, 15 March 2026