Indian Railways has officially upgraded the Puri-Patna special train service into a permanent weekly express train, effective May 2026. This strategic move is designed to tackle the persistent issue of passenger overcrowding during peak festive seasons and holidays. By transitioning from a temporary special status to a fixed schedule, the East Coast Railway aims to provide reliable travel options for passengers commuting between Odisha and Bihar, effectively ending the uncertainty often associated with special train bookings.
- Service status: Upgraded from temporary special to permanent weekly express.
- Train numbers: 18405 (Puri-Patna) and 18406 (Patna-Puri).
- Key route: Connects Odisha and Bihar via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Kharagpur, Asansol, Jasidih, Kiul, and Mokama.
- Objective: To enhance passenger convenience and boost regional connectivity.
Schedule and Operational Details
The Puri-Patna Express (Train No. 18405) officially commenced its regular weekly service on May 23, 2026. The train departs from Puri every Saturday at 2:55 PM and reaches its destination in Patna at 10:45 AM the following day. For the return direction, the Patna-Puri Express (Train No. 18406) began operations on May 24, 2026, departing Patna every Sunday at 1:30 PM and arriving in Puri at 9:45 AM the next morning.
Enhanced Connectivity for Passengers
The regularization of this route was confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversaw the renumbering of the service from the temporary 08439/08440 designation to the permanent 18405/18406 series. This transition is a significant development for travelers who previously struggled to secure confirmed tickets on this high-demand corridor.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has welcomed the decision, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railway Minister. The government believes that establishing a fixed, reliable schedule will not only offer relief to daily commuters and pilgrims but also foster regional development and boost tourism between the two states. With this permanent schedule in place, passengers can now plan their travel well in advance without the stress of limited special train availability.