Odisha: President Droupadi Murmu boards special train from Bhubaneswar to Berhampur in historic first
Bhubaneswar, August 4
In a historic milestone for Odisha, President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, departed from Bhubaneswar Railway Station on Tuesday aboard a special train bound for Berhampur.
The journey marks a rare and historic event, as President Murmu becomes the first sitting President of India to travel to Berhampur Railway Station by train.
Extensive security arrangements were executed by the Commissionerate of Police, Government Railway Police (GRP), and Railway Protection Force (RPF). A multi-tier security cordon was maintained inside and around the Bhubaneswar station premises, with platforms 1 and 2 cleared exclusively for the Presidential Special Train.
Upon reaching Berhampur, the President's convoy will proceed to the famous hot-spring shrine at Taptapani in Ganjam district. President Murmu is scheduled to offer special prayers and perform aarti at the revered Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple as well as the nearby Shiva Temple.
Following the temple visit, the President will travel to Gopalpur, where she is scheduled to make a night halt at the Army Air Defence College / Army School facilities.
The three-day presidential visit to Odisha, which began yesterday with the inauguration of Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack, will conclude tomorrow when she returns to the national capital.
Earlier on Monday, the President met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The high-level meeting underscored the expanding partnership between New Delhi and Tashkent, touching upon trade, rare earth critical minerals, educational exchanges, and shared civilizational roots.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across Central Asia, agreeing that "discussions held during this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship, trust, and cooperation between our two nations."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Historic indeed! But I hope the security arrangements didn't inconvenience regular passengers too much. Clearing platforms 1 and 2 entirely for the presidential train means many everyday travelers had to face delays. Important visits are fine, but common citizens' comfort should also be considered.
First woman tribal President of India, and now she's traveling by train to pray at Maa Kandhuni Temple — this is symbolic on so many levels. It shows respect for our traditions and roots. Proud of our President! 🇮🇳
Nice to see the President combining her official work with devotion. Taptapani hot springs and Gopalpur are such beautiful places — this visit will also boost local tourism in Ganjam district. Berhampur and surrounding areas need more attention from the center.
The Uzbekistan Foreign Minister meeting mentioned in the same article is interesting too. India's growing ties with Central Asian countries is crucial for our energy security and strategic interests. Rare earth minerals are the future. Good to see our President actively engaging on that front while also connecting with her home state.
It's refreshing to see a President who remembers her roots. From a small village in Mayurbhanj to the highest constitutional office, and still she chooses to travel by train and visit local temples. Her simplicity is an inspiration for all of us. 🙏
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