Khatipura-Tatanagar-Santragachi Express Service Launched!
Indian Railways launches the weekly Khatipura-Tatanagar-Santragachi Express, connecting Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Indian Railways has officially expanded its long-distance network with the inauguration of the new Khatipura–Tatanagar–Santragachi Express. This weekly service is set to significantly improve rail connectivity across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Official Flag-off and Inaugural Ceremony
The new service was officially flagged off on October 26, 2026, by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw via video conferencing. The launch was marked by high-profile ceremonies across different stations. At Santragachi Station, the inaugural function was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari, along with several ministers and MLAs. Simultaneously, in Tatanagar, MP Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, alongside MLAs Shri Saryu Roy and Smt. Purnima Sahu, jointly flagged off the service.
To mark the occasion, two inaugural special trains were operated:
- Train 08061: Departed Santragachi at 2:00 PM on October 26, scheduled to arrive at Khatipura at 11:00 PM the following day.
- Train 08181: Departed Tatanagar at 2:00 PM on October 26, scheduled to arrive at Khatipura at 8:00 PM on October 27.
Route and Major Connectivity
The Khatipura-Tatanagar-Santragachi Express will serve as a vital link for passengers traveling between the northern and eastern parts of the country. The train will pass through several major railway hubs, including:
- Kharagpur
- Ranchi
- Daltonganj
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Agra
Regular Weekly Schedule
The regular weekly services for the 18061/18062 Santragachi–Khatipura (Jaipur) Express will commence in early November 2026. Passengers can plan their journeys according to the following schedule:
Santragachi to Khatipura (Train 18061)
Starting from November 4, 2026, this train will depart from Santragachi every Wednesday at 2:15 PM and is scheduled to reach Khatipura at 11:00 PM the next day.
Khatipura to Santragachi (Train 18062)
Starting from November 6, 2026, the return service will depart from Khatipura every Friday at 9:15 AM, arriving at Santragachi at 7:45 PM the following day.
Modern Amenities for Passengers
To ensure a high standard of travel, Indian Railways has deployed modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches for this service. These coaches are specifically designed to provide enhanced passenger comfort and improved safety during long-duration journeys.