The first railway line that transformed the economy of Odisha was run in 1896 from Khurda to which place?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Bhubaneswar
Explanation:
. The first train in Odisha ran in 1896 from Khurda Road to Bhubaneswar, marking the beginning of rail transport in the region.
. This line improved connectivity between the inland areas and the coastal belt, supporting trade and administrative integration.
. Subsequent extension towards Puri followed later, but the initial 1896 run was up to Bhubaneswar.
Information Booster:
. The Khurda Road–Puri section was completed and opened after the initial Khurda–Bhubaneswar run.
. Rail connectivity later facilitated pilgrimage and tourism to Puri via Bhubaneswar.
Additional Knowledge:
Sambalpur (Option a)
. Connected to the rail network later via Bengal Nagpur Railway, not in 1896.
Puri (Option b)
. Important terminus, but the 1896 first run from Khurda was not directly to Puri.
Cuttack (Option c)
. A major town with its own rail history, but not the endpoint of the first Khurda-origin train in 1896.