Koraput-Rayagada, India’s hidden gem of rail tourism

First and foremost, some deadpan facts about a behemoth. Indian Railways, one of the largest in the world, spans over 67,368 km, connects around 7,349 stations across the country, and operates more than 22,593 trains every day, including passenger and freight services. About 23 million people — roughly about the population of Australia — travel by train in India each day. The 171-year-old Indian Railways serves more than 8 billion passengers annually and it is among the largest employers globally — a workforce exceeding 1.3 million.

But the Indian Railways is more than just a network of iron and steel. Like an ancient banyan tree, its roots reach deep into the heart of cities and the countryside alike. Its tracks stretch across mountains and plains, rivers and deserts. Every journey — both long and short — on these rails is a moving image of India’s cultural mosaic.

Among these networks, the Koraput-Rayagada and Kothavalasa-Kirandul rail lines in Odisha stand out, offering exceptional rail tourism experiences that reveal the natural splendour and cultural wealth of the regions they traverse. These routes traverse through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

From the clatter of wheels on iron bridges to the serene passage through lush forests and mountain tunnels, the rhythmic chug of the locomotive is the heartbeat of the land, resonating with the collective memories of generations. In its carriages, strangers become companions, sharing tales and laughter over tea and snacks. Each station is a portal, a threshold between the familiar and the unknown, where the aroma of regional delicacies mingles with the sounds of life in transit.

The journey is a microcosm of India itself — a place where the past, present, and future converge, where every passenger is a part of the ever-unfolding story. The Indian Railways takes on the role of a timeless storyteller, carrying the hopes, dreams and stories of millions.

Through tunnels and overbridges

The Koraput-Rayagada rail route, spanning 167 km through the rugged terrains of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, has been operational since October 31, 1995, following its commencement in 1993. This route is more than a path for passengers and cargo. It’s a journey through some of India’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

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Trains such as the Jagdalpur-Howrah Express, Jagdalpur-Durgapur Express, Jagdalpur-Rourkela Express and Hirakhand Express ply this route, offering travellers a glimpse into the picturesque vistas of the Eastern Ghats.

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.

Connecting hearts and landscapes

“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.

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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.

Iron rails to emerald valleys

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.

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.

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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.

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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The lead image on top shows the scenic landscape through which the Koraput-Rayagada rail line passes. (Photo by Shreekant Sahoo)

Shreekanta Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with a decade of dedicated experience in the ever-evolving field of media.