Santragachi-Khatipura Express: New Rajasthan-Bengal Link Active
Eastern Railway has launched the Santragachi-Khatipura Express to boost connectivity between Rajasthan and West Bengal.
The Santragachi-Khatipura Express has officially transformed the travel landscape between Rajasthan and West Bengal. Following recent operational updates from Eastern Railway, the connectivity between the Khatipura terminal and the Kolkata region is now fully functional, marking a significant expansion in inter-regional services.
New Santragachi-Khatipura Express Operations
The service, which aims to bridge the gap between Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, was officially inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on October 26, 2026. Identified by train numbers 18061 and 18062, the Santragachi–Khatipura (Jaipur)–Santragachi Express has successfully moved into its commercial phase.
The rollout followed a strategic schedule:
- November 4, 2026: Commercial operations commenced from Santragachi.
- November 6, 2026: The first service departed from Khatipura.
Managing Festive Passenger Volume
As of mid-November 2026, Eastern Railway is focusing heavily on managing the high volume of passengers through specialized services. To accommodate the seasonal rush, 'Puja Special' trains have been introduced. These include specific routes connecting Khatipura to:
- Rangiya
- Khadki
Clarification on Khatipura-Howrah Route
Despite historical discussions regarding route congestion and scheduling complexities, there are currently no active objections from Eastern Railway concerning the Khatipura-Howrah line. The railway's current operational cycle remains focused on expanding these vital links and ensuring smooth transit for passengers traveling across these diverse states.