Indian Railways has officially approved the conversion of the Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad and Puri-Patna special trains into regular Express trains. Finalized on March 12, 2026, this decision ends the uncertainty of periodic extensions for these two busy routes. Passengers will directly benefit from reduced ticket prices because the previous special fare surcharges are no longer applicable. The railway booking systems are currently updating the train numbers from special codes starting with 0 to regular numbers starting with 18.
What are the new train numbers and timings?
The Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Express will operate daily under the new train numbers 18403 and 18404. Train 18403 departs Bhubaneswar at 08:25 PM and reaches Dhanbad at 11:00 AM the next day. The return journey, train 18404, leaves Dhanbad at 04:00 PM and arrives in Bhubaneswar at 07:45 AM. It stops at major stations like Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Angul, and Rourkela.
The Puri-Patna Express will run weekly under numbers 18405 and 18406. It departs Puri on Saturdays at 02:55 PM and reaches Patna at 10:45 AM on Sundays. The return service leaves Patna on Sundays at 01:30 PM and arrives in Puri at 09:45 AM on Mondays, covering stops like Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.
How will passengers benefit from this change?
The transition from a special train to a regular express train brings major financial relief to frequent travelers. Standard Express fares now replace the special fare status that previously carried a higher premium. Passengers can now book tickets under all standard Indian Railways reservation quotas, including General, Tatkal, and Senior Citizen categories.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated discussions for this regularization to improve regional tourism and mobility. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally communicated the approval, noting that the decision prioritizes public convenience. This permanent availability allows travelers to make long-term travel plans without waiting for special train extension announcements.
| Train Route | Sleeper Fare (Approx) | 3AC Fare (Approx) | 2AC Fare (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad | Rs. 525 | Rs. 1470 | Rs. 2040 |
| Puri-Patna | Rs. 465 | Rs. 1225 | Rs. 1735 |