Bhubaneswar, August 4: President Droupadi Murmu is set to create history today by becoming the first sitting President of India to travel by train to Berhampur Railway Station. She will depart from Bhubaneswar in a special train and arrive at Berhampur as part of her three-day visit to Odisha.

While the Indian Air Force is always on standby for the President's official travel, President Murmu has opted for a special train journey, making the visit a significant milestone in the history of Berhampur Railway Station. According to available records, no previous President has travelled to Berhampur by train during their tenure.

Interestingly, even V.V. Giri, the fourth President of India and a native of Berhampur, never travelled to the city by train while serving as President. His nephew, Dr. D.J.J. Swamy, said that although V.V. Giri frequently visited Berhampur by train during his tenure as a Union Minister and Governor, his only visit as President was by road from Bhubaneswar to attend a function at MKCG Medical College.

Berhampur Railway Station, one of Odisha's oldest railway stations, was established in 1896, nearly five decades before India's Independence. The station also holds historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi visited it on March 29, 1921. A commemorative photograph displayed at the station marks the centenary of his visit, reflecting its rich legacy. Over the decades, several freedom fighters, national leaders and ministers have passed through the station, but no serving President has arrived here by train until now.

After reaching Berhampur, President Murmu will travel by road to Taptapani, where she is scheduled to take a holy dip in the natural hot springs, offer prayers at Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple, and interact with members of the tribal community. She will later return to attend another official function at the Army AD College in Golabandha.

The President's train journey is being viewed as a landmark moment that is expected to further enhance the historical importance and prestige of Berhampur Railway Station.