Raipur to Visakhapatnam on Samata Express: Most Scenic Route on Indian Railways

Highlights from arguably one of the most beautiful routes on Indian Railways - the 141 km stretch between Titilagarh and Rayagada, through the dense forests and hill ranges of central India. Enjoy footage from a journey undertaken in October 2017 aboard the Nizamuddin Visakhapatnam Samata Express between Durg and Visakhapatnam. Powered by twin Visakhapatnam WDM3Ds, the Samata bids adieu to the Howrah Nagpur mainline at Raipur and swings south-eastwards, entering the state of Orissa after crossing the Mahanadi river. After brief glimpses of the hills of western Orissa, we cut right through the central Indian forest and hill ranges between Titilagarh and Rayagada. The journey was undertaken at the end of the monsoons, resulting in the hills being lush green and shrouded amidst the receding monsoon clouds, providing some stunning landscapes. Post Rayagada, the train slips into Andhra Pradesh near Parvatipuram and joins the Howrah Visakhapatnam main line at Vizianagaram. Notable crossings include: 1. Puri Durg Express 2. Puri Ahmedabad Express (twin Visakhapatnam WDM3As) 3. Puri Shirdi Express (twin Visakhapatnam WDM3As) 4. Samaleshwari Express (twin Bondamunda Alcos) 5. Alleppey Dhanbad Express (twin Visakhapatnam WDM3As) 6. Hatia Pune Express