Ministry allows running of pvt trains on 4 routes in state

Bhubaneswar: The ministry of railways has decided to allow private companies to operate passenger train services over 109 routes across the country. As many as 151 modern trains (rakes) will be run in 12 clusters.
Out of these 109 routes, four routes will have starting and terminating stations in Odisha. Three routes will have Puri as originating/terminating station, while one route will connect Bhubaneswar with a South India station.
In Howrah cluster, one route will connect Puri with Howrah area. In Patna cluster, one route will connect Puri with Asansol in West Bengal.
In Prayagraj cluster, one train route will connect Puri with Prayagaraj area. Similarly, in Bengaluru cluster, one route will connect Bhubaneswar with Mysuru. Each train will have a minimum of 16 coaches, sources said.
Besides, some private trains will pass through major stations like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Berhampur.
Railway sources said the private player will be responsible for financing, procuring, operation and maintenance of the trains. These trains may run with a maximum speed of 160 km/hour. The journey time will be reduced.
Drivers and guards of Indian Railways will operate these trains. The private trains will stress on maintaining punctuality, reliability and upkeep of trains.