Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8 -- The Ministry of Railways is expected to examine the feasibility of introducing Vande Bharat Express services connecting Sambalpur with Raipur and Ranchi, following a directive from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as part of a broader master development plan for the western Odisha city.

The proposal is among several recommendations aimed at transforming Sambalpur into a regional growth hub through integrated transport, tourism, and infrastructure upgrades.

In an official communication to the Odisha Chief Secretary, the PMO advised the state government to prepare a comprehensive development blueprint for Sambalpur with participation from central and state agencies, including NTPC, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)...