Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Khatipura-Santragachi Express
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off the Khatipura-Santragachi Express, connecting five states and serving Khatu Shyam Ji pilgrims.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially inaugurated the new Khatipura Santragachi Express. The flag-off ceremony was conducted via video conferencing on October 26, 2026, starting from Khatipura Railway Station in Jaipur, Rajasthan, at 2:00 PM.
Connecting Five States and Pilgrim Routes
This new service is a significant boost for regional connectivity, spanning across five major states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. A key highlight of this route is its ability to cater to pilgrims traveling to the holy Khatu Shyam Ji Dham.
The introduction of this train follows successful advocacy by Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahto and Palamu MP Bishnudayal Ram, leading to the Ministry of Railways' approval in May 2026.
Train Schedule and Route Details
The inaugural special train, operating under number 08181, is expected to complete its maiden journey, arriving at Khatipura at 11:00 PM on its third day. Following this, regular operations will commence under train numbers 18061 and 18062.
Regular Weekly Timetable
- Train No. 18061 (Santragachi to Khatipura): Departs Santragachi every Wednesday at 2:15 PM and arrives at Khatipura at 11:00 PM the following day.
- Train No. 18062 (Khatipura to Santragachi): Departs Khatipura every Friday at 9:20 AM, reaching Tatanagar at 3:05 PM and Santragachi at 7:45 PM the next day.
Major Stations on the Route
The train will serve several important junctions, including:
- Kharagpur, Tatanagar, Chandil, Purulia, Muri, Ranchi, Lohardaga, Latehar, Daltonganj, Dehri-on-Sone, Sasaram, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Tundla, Agra, Bandikui, and Dausa.
Modern LHB Coaches and Launch Ceremony
Passengers can expect a comfortable journey as the train features modern LHB coaches, offering Sleeper, Third AC, and Second AC classes. The initial service period has been approved for approximately two and a half months.
The launch event saw several dignitaries in attendance. At Khatipura station, Jaipur Mayor Sunil Kothari, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, and Bagru MLA Kailash Chand Verma were present. Meanwhile, at Tatanagar, the ceremony was attended by Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahto, local MLAs, and Chakradharpur Rail Division DRM Tarun Huria.