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  • Odisha Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams Shine at Nationals

    Bhubaneswar, March 17: Day three of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship 2025–26 at the Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, KIIT Deemed to be University, witnessed a spectacular performance by the Odisha contingent, as both the men’s and women’s teams topped their respective pools to secure quarterfinal berths.

    Odisha Men’s Team Remains Unbeaten

    The Odisha men’s team continued its impressive campaign with two commanding victories, demonstrating strength in both attack and defense. In their first match of the day, they outclassed Chhattisgarh, winning in straight sets 3-0 with a clinical display of teamwork and precision.

    Facing Andhra Pradesh next, Odisha encountered a stiffer challenge. After winning the first two sets, the team temporarily lost momentum in the third but regrouped to clinch the fourth set in a thrilling finish, securing a 3-1 victory. With these wins, the men’s team remained unbeaten in their pool, showcasing consistency, confidence, and tactical superiority as they advanced to the quarterfinals.

    Odisha Women’s Team Shows Resilience and Skill

    The Odisha women’s team mirrored the men’s success with an equally impressive performance. They began their day with a strong comeback against West Bengal, bouncing back after dropping the first set to dominate the next three with controlled aggression and excellent coordination, winning 3-1.

    Maintaining their momentum, the women secured another convincing 3-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh, remaining undefeated in their pool and earning the top position, thereby confirming their place in the quarterfinals.

    Leadership Applauds the Teams

    On this occasion, Achyuta Samanta, Chief Patron of the Volleyball Federation of India, founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, and President of the Odisha Volleyball Association, congratulated both teams for their outstanding performance. He praised their skill, teamwork, and determination, highlighting how Odisha continues to be a powerhouse in national volleyball competitions.

    With the quarterfinals on the horizon, Odisha’s volleyball contingent looks set to maintain their unbeaten streak and make a strong bid for championship glory in both the men’s and women’s categories.

  • Powerica Limited Announces IPO; Issue Opens March 24

    Mumbai, March 18, 2026: Powerica Limited an integrated power solutions provider, has announced its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), which will open for subscription on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and close on Friday, March 27, 2026.

    Investors can bid for a minimum of 37 equity shares and in multiples thereafter.

    Issue Structure

    The offering comprises:

    • Fresh issue: Up to ₹700 crore

    • Offer-for-sale: Up to ₹400 crore by promoters – Naresh Oberoi Family Trust and Kabir and Kimaya Family Private Trust

    The IPO is being conducted through the book-building process, with:

    • Up to 50% allocated to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs)

    • At least 15% to Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs)

    • At least 35% to Retail Individual Investors (RIIs)

    Business Overview

    Powerica Limited is a leading provider of integrated power solutions, specializing in diesel generator (DG) sets for both primary and standby applications. The company has maintained a long-standing relationship of over four decades with Cummins India Limited.

    Established in 1984, the company expanded its portfolio in 1996 to include medium-speed large generators (MSLG) through collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Today, the company offers a comprehensive range of generator sets from 7.5 kVA to 10,000 kVA, catering to diverse industrial requirements.

    Renewable Energy Expansion

    Building on its experience in the generator segment, the company entered the wind power sector in 2008 as an independent power producer (IPP). It has since developed capabilities in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) services.

    As of the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP):

    • Operates 12 wind power projects in Gujarat with a total installed capacity of 330.85 MW

    • Developing an additional 52.70 MW project, which will increase total capacity to 383.55 MW

    Manufacturing & Network

    The company operates three manufacturing facilities located in:

    • Bengaluru, Karnataka

    • Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

    • Khopoli, Maharashtra

    Its extensive sales and service network includes:

    • 19 sales and marketing offices

    • 43 authorized dealers (in collaboration with Cummins)

    • 123 sales and marketing personnel

    Financial Performance

    For the six months ended September 30, 2025:

    • Revenue: ₹1,447.44 crore

    • Net Profit: ₹134.55 crore

    For FY25:

    • Revenue: ₹2,653.27 crore (compared to ₹2,378.26 crore in FY23)

    • Net Profit: ₹175.83 crore (compared to ₹106.45 crore in FY23)

    Lead Managers

    The book-running lead managers to the issue are:

    • ICICI Securities Limited

    • IIFL Capital Services Limited

    • Nuvama Wealth Management Limited

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  • TECNO Launches TECNO Got Your Back, Becomes the Backbone of Chennai Super Kings as First Proof Point

    New Delhi, Mar 18: TECNO, the innovative smartphone brand, has unveiled its new long-term brand platform, #TECNOGotYourBack, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the real ‘backbones’ of India—those who power progress behind the scenes.

    TECNO Launches TECNO Got Your Back, Becomes the Backbone of Chennai Super Kings as First Proof Point

     Marking the first proof point of this purpose-driven initiative, TECNO has announced a strategic partnership with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2026 season. In a distinctive branding move, TECNO’s logo will feature on the back of CSK players’ helmets, symbolizing the brand’s philosophy of standing behind champions.

    In an industry typically focused on front-facing visibility, TECNO’s campaign shifts the narrative to what stands quietly behind success—resilience, support systems, and everyday enablers.

    A Purpose Beyond Sponsorship

    This collaboration goes beyond conventional sponsorship. It reflects TECNO’s mission to empower “town dreamers”—individuals who rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness. The association with CSK, a team known for its inspiring journey and grassroots heroes, aligns seamlessly with this vision.

    From players who have risen through the ranks to become national icons, TECNO’s message resonates strongly:
    “We back dreamers like you, and we’ve got your back.”

    Leadership Speak

    Commenting on the initiative, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said:

    “Most brands want to be the trophy in your hand. We want to be the spine that helps you stand tall enough to reach for it. #TECNOGotYourBack isn’t just a campaign; it’s our commitment to being the ‘Backbone of Bharat.’ By placing our logo on the back of the CSK helmet, we are making a statement—we are right there, backing the champions who inspire this country.”

    Sharing similar sentiments, KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, CSK, added:

    “At Chennai Super Kings, we believe success is built on trust, resilience, and the strength of those who stand behind you. This partnership with TECNO reflects that shared philosophy. We are delighted to welcome TECNO to the Super Kings family.”

    Reimagining Brand Storytelling

    The “Helmet Strategy” brings to life a simple yet powerful human truth—every champion has an unseen support system. By utilizing the back-of-the-helmet branding space, TECNO transforms a conventional placement into a meaningful narrative about loyalty and reliability.

    As the 2026 season progresses, the #TECNOGotYourBack platform will extend beyond cricket to celebrate the unsung heroes of India—entrepreneurs, dreamers, and everyday changemakers driving the nation forward.

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  • From Sun to Grid: India’s Renewable Energy Expansion Enters Fast Lane

    India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s power landscape. As demand for electricity rises, data centres expand, and decarbonisation commitments strengthen, renewable energy is emerging as the cornerstone of India’s sustainable future.

    From Sun to Grid: India’s Renewable Energy Expansion Enters Fast Lane

    Pic Credit: Pexel

    At the forefront of this transition is solar energy, which forms the backbone of India’s 272 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. This financial year alone, approximately 35 GW of renewable capacity has been added, marking a record pace of expansion. These gains reflect strategic planning in solar deployment, manufacturing priorities, and grid integration.

    Solar Power: Driving India’s Energy Transformation

    Solar energy has moved from the periphery to the center of India’s energy agenda. “The scale at which solar is growing reflects a structural shift in how we think about power generation,” says an industry expert. The surge includes utility-scale solar farms, rooftop installations, and hybrid energy projects, all contributing to a cleaner grid and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

    Strengthening the Grid

    Integrating this rapid capacity growth presents challenges. The intermittent nature of solar requires advanced grid management, energy storage solutions, and smart transmission systems to ensure stable supply. Operators are increasingly deploying forecasting tools and storage technologies to maintain reliability as more renewable power comes online.

    Data Centres and Renewable Demand

    The expansion of India’s data centre industry is another major driver. As cloud computing, AI, and digital services proliferate, these centres are becoming significant energy consumers. Many are now sourcing electricity directly from renewable projects or through green energy certificates, aligning business growth with sustainability commitments.

    The Road to 500 GW

    India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, and the current trajectory shows strong momentum. Solar energy is expected to remain the dominant contributor, complemented by wind, bio-energy, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. Achieving these targets will not only advance India’s climate commitments but also stimulate employment, industrial development, and energy security.

    Economic Opportunities in Renewables

    Beyond environmental benefits, the renewable sector is a growing economic engine. Investments in panel manufacturing, storage solutions, and project development are creating high-skill jobs and boosting regional economies. Analysts note, “Renewable energy is becoming as much an economic opportunity as an environmental necessity.”

    Looking Ahead

    India’s green energy journey is a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience. With solar leading the way, the country is charting a path toward a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant energy future. By 2030, India aims to not only meet its renewable targets but also emerge as a global leader in clean energy deployment.

  • Sweet Success: India’s Sugar Production Hits 26.21 Million Tonne in 2025-26, Surpassing Last Year’s Output

    India’s sugar industry is on a sweet high this year. According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar production in the ongoing 2025-26 marketing year (October–September) has already reached 26.21 million tonne, a 10.5% increase compared with the same period last year. Remarkably, this already exceeds the total net production of 26.12 million tonne recorded during the entire 2024-25 marketing year.

    Sweet Success: India’s Sugar Production Hits 26.21 Million Tonne in 2025-26, Surpassing Last Year’s Output

    Pic Credit: Pexel

    This growth underscores the resilience of India’s sugar mills and the increasing efficiency of sugarcane farming across the country. Analysts point to favorable weather conditions, improved crop yields, and strategic operations by mills as key drivers of this impressive output.

    Sugar Mills in Motion

    As of March 15, 157 sugar mills were actively crushing sugarcane, while 379 mills remained closed, following seasonal patterns and regional availability of raw materials. This selective operation allows mills to manage production efficiently and balance supply with market demand.

    Last year, production during this same period was 23.72 million tonne, highlighting a strong year-on-year growth of over 2.5 million tonne. “This is a testament to better agronomy practices, mechanization in cane harvesting, and timely processing at the mills,” said an industry insider.

    Approaching the Season’s Finale

    The sugar crushing season is now entering its penultimate phase, with mills striving to maximize output before the harvest concludes. With production already surpassing last year’s full-year figure, the industry faces a strategic challenge: maintaining profitability in the face of rising input costs and price pressures.

    One key demand from the sector is the early upward revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). An MSP adjustment would not only secure fair returns for mills but also protect the interests of millions of sugarcane farmers who rely on timely payments for their livelihoods.

    Regional Powerhouses

    India’s sugar production continues to be dominated by traditional cane-growing states. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu remain the pillars of output, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way. Maharashtra, which struggled last year due to drought conditions, has bounced back, contributing to the national surge in production.

    If current trends hold, experts project India’s sugar production could reach 34–35 million tonne by the end of the 2025-26 season, marking one of the largest harvests in recent years.

    Market Dynamics and Global Context

    The robust output comes at a time when domestic sugar demand remains steady, and export opportunities are emerging. India, already one of the world’s largest sugar producers, is exploring global markets to balance domestic surplus and stabilize prices.

    Government policies, particularly regarding MSP, export subsidies, and ethanol blending mandates, will play a crucial role in sustaining the sector’s growth. A well-calibrated policy framework could make India’s sugar industry more competitive internationally, while ensuring the long-term viability of mills and farmer incomes.

    Sweet Prospects Ahead

    India’s sugar sector is not just about production—it’s about livelihoods, rural economy, and energy. With bio-energy generation increasingly integrated into sugar mills’ operations, the industry is contributing to sustainable growth beyond the sweetness of sugar itself.

    As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes are on MSP decisions and market demand. For now, the numbers speak for themselves: India’s sugar production is surging, the mills are humming, and the nation is poised for a season of record-breaking sweetness.

  • Odisha Strengthens Industrial Growth with Approvals for 23 Projects

    Bhubaneswar, March 17: The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), led by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, on Tuesday approved 23 industrial investment proposals valued at Rs 4,510.65 crore. The projects are expected to create more than 10,000 employment opportunities, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a key industrial hub in eastern India.

    Major Boost for Odisha’s Economy: 23 Projects Approved Across Sectors

    Pic Credit:https://x.com/IPR_Odisha

    Forest and Wood-Based Sector

    Century Plyboards (India) Limited received approval to establish a manufacturing facility in Koraput, with an investment of Rs 870.82 crore. The unit is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs and promote industrial growth in southern Odisha.

    Chemical and Green Industry Sector

    Pidilite Industries Limited will set up a manufacturing unit in Balasore with an investment of Rs 61 crore, creating 88 jobs. Paradeep Phosphates Limited plans to establish a sulphuric acid plant in Jagatsinghpur, investing Rs 425 crore and providing employment to 29 people.

    Apparel and Technical Textiles Sector

    Sonaselection India Limited will invest Rs 130 crore to set up a garment manufacturing unit in Khurda, generating 1,858 jobs. Alphatex Private Limited will establish a technical textiles unit in the same district with an investment of Rs 180 crore, creating 1,050 employment opportunities.

    Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Sector

    Alteus Life Limited plans a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Cuttack with an investment of Rs 236.90 crore, generating 549 jobs. Shreeji Imaging and Diagnostic Centre Private Limited has received clearance to establish a specialized medical facility in Khurda, investing Rs 53.55 crore and providing employment for 36 people.

    Manufacturing and Engineering Sector

    Nipha Limited will set up an agricultural equipment manufacturing facility in Khurda with an investment of Rs 164 crore, expected to create 300 jobs.

    Aluminium and Metal Downstream Sectors

    Odisha Special Grade Alumina Ltd will establish a unit in Koraput with an investment of Rs 88.16 crore, generating 66 jobs. In the steel and metal sector, Scan Steels Limited plans a MS pipe and galvanizing unit in Sundargarh with an investment of Rs 255 crore, creating 350 jobs, while Navprakriti Green Energies Private Limited will establish a metal extraction facility in Balasore, investing Rs 105 crore and generating 540 jobs.

    Food Processing Sector

    Coastal Biotech Private Limited will invest Rs 350 crore to set up an agro-processing unit in Kalahandi, generating 500 employment opportunities.

    IT and ITES Sector

    PricewaterhouseCoopers Services LLP has received approval to establish a technology delivery center in Khurda, with an investment of Rs 60 crore.

    These approvals are part of Odisha’s ongoing efforts to boost industrialization across multiple sectors, create employment, and attract investment, strengthening the state’s economic growth and industrial footprint.

  • JLL ranks 1 in India for Real estate investment advisory: MSCI Real Capital Analytics for 2025

    Mumbai, March 18th: JLL, the largest International Property Consulting firm in India, has been ranked #1 for real estate capital markets transaction in MSCI Real Capital Analytics (RCA) for 2025.

    The New York- based MSCI Real Capital Analytics (RCA) rankings identify top commercial real estate investment brokers and advisors globally based on transaction volumes across sectors including office, retail, industrial, data centres, land etc. The annual MSCI RCA rankings are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the real estate industry.

    According to MSCI-RCA, JLL advised on USD 4.3 billion in transaction value (representing the total deal value on which JLL provided advisory services on) during 2025 capturing nearly 48% market share in India. This ranking underscores JLL’s strengthening position in one of Asia Pacific’s most dynamic markets and reinforces its sustained global leadership.

    Market leadership and client trust

    “Achieving the number one position in India’s real estate capital markets for 2025 reflects exceptional market expertise and the unwavering trust clients place in the team to execute high-stakes, complex transactions. This leadership underscores the strength of an integrated platform, extensive relationships with capital providers, and the world-class talent cultivated across India. Particularly noteworthy is the dominance in core asset sales this year, where the team has established itself as the definitive market leader. This achievement demonstrates not only technical excellence but a deep understanding of what creates value in India’s dynamic real estate landscape, and the ability to execute flawlessly for clients,” said Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director and Head, Capital Markets, India, JLL.

    India’s evolving investment landscape

    “Despite the overall environment globally, India’s real estate investment market has shown tremendous resilience with both global and domestic institutional capital actively pursuing high-quality assets and scalable development platforms. Investors are increasingly deploying hybrid capital strategies combining equity, structured debt, and strategic joint ventures, to capture opportunities across the entire value chain,” said Nishant Kabra, Managing Director, Investment Sales & Debt Advisory, India, JLL.

    Integrated advisory platform.

    JLL’s integrated platform, spanning land and development services, investment sales, and equity and debt advisory, enables the firm to design and execute sophisticated transactions that unite global capital, domestic investors, REITs, and leading developers. The scale of the firm’s 2025 advisory mandates reflects strong investor conviction in India’s long-term growth trajectory. This reinforces JLL’s position as the preferred advisor for transformative deals.

    Looking ahead

    The foundation established in 2024-2025 positions India to emerge as one of the world’s most attractive institutional real estate investment markets over the next investment cycle. The institutional investment outlook in the Indian real estate sector has displayed encouraging trends in recent years and is anticipated to maintain its momentum in the near future.

    In 2025, JLL advised on numerous landmark transactions across India. Notable deals included

    As India emerges as one of Asia Pacific’s most compelling investment destinations, JLL’s integrated advisory platform, deep market expertise, and proven track record of delivering landmark transactions position the firm to continue shaping the future of real estate investment across the country. This achievement underscores not only JLL‘s dominant market position but also the firm’s unwavering commitment to driving value creation and setting new benchmarks for excellence in India’s commercial real estate sector.

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  • Forever Living India Brings Forever Aloe Vera Gel Closer to Consumers, Now Made in India

    Forever Living India Brings Forever Aloe Vera Gel Closer to Consumers, Now Made in India

    For centuries, aloe vera has been revered across cultures as one of nature’s most remarkable plants, often referred to as the “plant of immortality” for its long-standing association with natural wellness traditions. From traditional household remedies to modern lifestyle routines, aloe has remained a trusted botanical ingredient valued for supporting everyday well-being. Continuing this legacy, Forever Living Products has announced that its flagship product, Forever Aloe Vera Gel, is now made in India, bringing the globally trusted formulation closer to Indian consumers.

    For more than 40 years, Forever Living Products has been recognized worldwide for its expertise in aloe-based products and its commitment to maintaining high standards in cultivation, processing, and product quality. The company follows a unique vertically integrated model, managing the entire journey of aloe, from farming and harvesting to processing and final product creation. This approach allows the brand to maintain strict quality control at every stage, ensuring consistency and purity across its product portfolio.

    Forever’s aloe is cultivated across large plantations, including farms in Texas and the Dominican Republic, where millions of aloe plants are grown and carefully harvested using sustainable agricultural practices. By controlling its own aloe fields and production processes, the company ensures that only the finest aloe leaves are selected for processing.

    Crafted with 99.7% pure inner leaf aloe, Forever Aloe Vera Gel reflects the brand’s commitment to preserving the natural goodness of the aloe plant. The product uses only the nutritious inner leaf gel, which is carefully stabilized to maintain the integrity of aloe’s naturally occurring components. This method ensures that consumers receive a refreshing and wholesome addition to their daily wellness routines.

    The formulation is designed to complement everyday lifestyle habits. As part of a balanced routine, Forever Aloe Vera Gel helps support healthy digestion, promote immune health, support nutrient absorption, and help maintain natural energy levels.

    Aloe naturally contains a broad spectrum of plant-based nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. With 75+ naturally occurring nutrients, aloe continues to be appreciated as a plant-derived ingredient that aligns with wellness-focused lifestyles.

    Another key element of Forever’s global reputation is its commitment to internationally recognized quality standards. The company’s aloe products are associated with certification by the International Aloe Science Council, which verifies the purity and quality of aloe-based ingredients used in consumer products. This certification reinforces the authenticity and reliability of aloe formulations across markets.

    Speaking about this milestone, Harish Singla, CSM, Forever Living India, said: “India has always had a deep connection with natural wellness traditions and aloe vera has been a part of that heritage for generations. With Forever Aloe Vera Gel now made in India, we are proud to bring a globally trusted product closer to Indian consumers while maintaining the high standards of quality and purity that Forever represents worldwide.”

    He further added, “Our goal is to make nature-inspired wellness solutions more accessible. Local manufacturing strengthens availability and freshness while allowing more people to experience the goodness of aloe as part of their everyday lifestyle.”

    The move to manufacture Forever Aloe Vera Gel in India also strengthens the brand’s supply chain efficiency. Local production enables faster replenishment, improved accessibility for consumers, and greater quality oversight while supporting the brand’s long-term growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness markets.

    Additionally, the product aligns with evolving consumer preferences through its clean-label approach and environmentally responsible packaging, including 100% recyclable PET bottles. It is also available in vegan-friendly, organically grown formulations aligned with modern lifestyle values, reflecting the brand’s commitment to responsible and mindful wellness choices.

    With decades of aloe expertise, global cultivation capabilities, and a commitment to quality, Forever Aloe Vera Gel, now made in India—continues to deliver the purity and power of aloe as nature intended, supporting everyday wellness for consumers across the country.

    Note- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Forever’s products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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  • PM-KISAN and CM-KISAN Together Empower Over 51 Lakh Farmers in Odisha

    In a major boost to Odisha’s agricultural sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on March 13, 2026. The disbursement directly benefited over 34 lakh farmer families in Odisha, providing a total financial assistance of approximately ₹684 crore.

    PM-KISAN 22nd Instalment Benefits Over 34 Lakh Farmers in Odisha

    Pic Credit: Pexel

    The PM-KISAN scheme offers financial support of ₹2,000 per farmer per instalment, transferred directly to bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Nationwide, this 22nd instalment reached over 9.32 crore farmers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the farming community across India.

    At a state-level function in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and other officials, highlighted the importance of this financial support. The funds help farmers purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, thereby enhancing productivity and income.

    In addition to PM-KISAN, the Odisha government runs the CM-KISAN scheme, which provides an additional ₹4,000 annually to eligible farmers in two instalments. Under the combined initiatives, over 51.54 lakh beneficiaries in the state have received more than ₹2,991 crore to date.

    Chief Minister Majhi also urged farmers to ensure that their e-KYC, Aadhaar linking, and land record updates are completed to avoid any disruption in receiving benefits.

    These initiatives reflect the state and central government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Odisha’s agricultural economy, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and provide financial stability to the farming community.

  • Improved Rail Services Promise Better Connectivity for Odisha Passengers

    Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday that the newly approved Amrit Bharat Express trains will significantly enhance rail connectivity across Odisha, linking the state more closely with key cities in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Assam.

    The first train, running between Podanur in Tamil Nadu and Dhanbad in Jharkhand, will make scheduled stops at Rayagada, Muniguda, Kesinga, Titlagarh, Bolangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela. This service will directly benefit seven districts in southern and western Odisha, including the historically underserved KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) region.

    “This train will not only improve convenience for passengers but also strengthen economic and social links between Odisha and industrial hubs like Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Salem, Ranchi, Bokaro, and Dhanbad,” Majhi said in a social media post, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the approval.

    The second Amrit Bharat Express, operating between Kamakhya in Assam and Charlapalli in Andhra Pradesh, will pass through several districts in Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, and Ganjam. It will also stop at Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This route aims to enhance connectivity between Odisha, Northeast India, and the southern states, providing better travel options for students, workers, traders, and tourists. The train departs from Kamakhya every Sunday and from Charlapalli every Wednesday.

    Both trains feature modern LHB coaches designed for long-distance travel with improved comfort and safety. Passengers in general and sleeper classes will benefit from upgraded seating, ample luggage space, and enhanced onboard facilities, making travel more comfortable and affordable.

    Officials from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) highlighted that these new services will boost mobility, promote tourism and pilgrimage, and support local economies by connecting people and regions more efficiently.

    The introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express trains demonstrates a continued effort by the central government to strengthen Odisha’s railway infrastructure and accelerate regional development, bringing convenience, opportunities, and a modern travel experience to residents of the state.