A trip from Rayagada to Koraput takes around five hours. As the train snakes through the majestic Eastern Ghats, passengers witness lush greenery, rolling hills and dramatic landscapes. The route features numerous tunnels and high bridges, enhancing the journey’s thrill.

Particularly favoured by tourists is the Hirakhand Express, which offers a scenic and comfortable ride from Bhubaneswar to Koraput, reminiscent of a hill station visit. The route, dotted with 36 tunnels, quaint railway stations and charming tribal hamlets, provides a panoramic view of the region’s natural beauty, making the journey an unforgettable experience.

The route has 76 major bridges and 180 terrain curves. A striking feature is the 4.4km-long Maliguda tunnel in Koraput district — India’s fourth-highest broad gauge railway tunnel. Built with Japanese collaboration, this tunnel presents a picturesque scene as trains snake over curves and enter the tunnel, with smoke billowing and a beautiful spring flowing underneath, encapsulating the engineering feats and natural beauty of the route.

This line is very similar to the Araku Valley line (on the Kothavalasa-Kirandul route). Both have many similarities, but this line is not as explored as the Araku Valley line. Many famous temples and tourist spots are here,” said Saurabh Prasad, divisional railway manager of Waltair division, East Coast Railway.

Numerous tourist and pilgrimage spots along the way, such as Chitrakonda waterfalls, Lakshminarayan temple, Majji Gairamma temple, Rani Duduma waterfalls, Gupteswar caves, Sri Jagannath temple in Koraput, Deomali hill spot and Kolab reservoir, make this line a promising tourist destination.

Indian Railways, recognising Koraput’s tourism potential, has committed to developing this tribal region. Efforts focus on enhancing the area’s appeal as a tourist destination by highlighting its cultural heritage and stunning natural setting.

Tourism in the region has surged, with visitor numbers increasing from 20,400 in 2019 to 290,000 in 2023, and 175,000 tourists recorded midway through 2024. These figures underscore the growing allure of rail tourism in the region.

The nation’s rail network plays a crucial role in the economy, transporting over 1.2 billion tonnes of freight annually, which includes essential commodities like coal, iron ore and agricultural products.


A trip from Rayagada to Koraput takes around five hours, as the train snakes through the majestic Eastern Ghats. (Photo by Shreekant Sahoo)
The Koraput-Rayagada rail line carries iron ore from Bailadilla range in Kirandul and Bacheli in Chhattisgarh. This has boosted freight earnings for Waltair division of East Coast Railway. In fact, this line was conceived as an alternative route for increased iron ore movement to Visakhapatnam port and Vizag Steel Plant.

Also Read: Why Odisha wants a GI tag for Koraput coffee

The rail network plays a vital role in providing access to these remote, beautiful areas. The railway ministry is also advancing a project to double the broad gauge track between Damanjodi and Baliguda, part of the Koraput-Rayagada line. The 165km project, sanctioned in 2015-16 with an estimated budget of Rs 2,500 crore, is rapidly progressing and aims for completion by 2026.

A third project from Vizianagaram to Titilagarh — 272km, with a budget of Rs 5,000 crore, is underway, with about 40km already commissioned and completion expected by 2025.

As the Indian Railways continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism development, the future of rail tourism in Koraput and Rayagada districts of Odisha looks promising. The ongoing projects and initiatives aim to make these regions more accessible and attractive to tourists, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities.


A trip from Rayagada to Koraput takes around five hours, as the train snakes through the majestic Eastern Ghats. (Photo by Shreekant Sahoo)
For travellers, a journey on the Koraput-Rayagada or Kothavalasa-Kirandul lines is more than just a train ride. It’s an adventure — the thrill of passing through dark tunnels, the awe of crossing high bridges, and the tranquillity of lush green valleys.

The trains carry not just people, but the spirit of India, bridging distances and dissolving boundaries, uniting hearts and minds in a shared journey towards tomorrow.


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