Indian Railways has decided to regularize the Puri-Patna-Puri Special train to provide better connectivity. The train, previously operating as a special service (08439/08440), will now run as the 18405/18406 Puri-Patna-Puri Weekly Express. This move will benefit thousands of passengers traveling across Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
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What is the new schedule and timing?
The regular service for Train No. 18405 Puri-Patna Express will start from May 23, 2026, departing Puri every Saturday at 2:55 PM and reaching Patna the next Sunday morning. The return service, Train No. 18406 Patna-Puri Express, will begin from May 24, 2026, departing Patna every Sunday at 1:30 PM and arriving in Puri on Monday morning.
Route and key stoppages of the train
The train connects major hubs across three states. It will stop at several important stations to ensure maximum reach for commuters and tourists.
| State | Key Stoppages |
|---|---|
| Odisha | Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, Balasore |
| West Bengal/Jharkhand/Bihar | Kharagpur, Asansol, Chittaranjan, Madhupur, Jasidih, Kiul, Mokama, Bakhtiyarpur |
Who announced this decision?
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi about the approval. The official schedule was later confirmed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Asansol Division of Eastern Railway on May 19, 2026. This regularization aims to provide better reservation availability and remove the uncertainty associated with special train schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the regular Puri-Patna Express start?
Train No. 18405 will start from Puri every Saturday from May 23, 2026, and Train No. 18406 will start from Patna every Sunday from May 24, 2026.
What are the benefits of regularizing this special train?
Regularization provides passengers with better reservation availability and a fixed weekly schedule, reducing the uncertainty of special train timings.