The wait for the newly announced weekly express train between Santragachi and Jaipur-Khatipura continues to stretch on, leaving thousands of passengers in a state of uncertainty. Despite receiving official approval on May 6, 2026, the service has yet to hit the tracks, triggering growing frustration among rail users across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Passenger organizations are now pressing Indian Railways for a definitive commencement date to end the long-standing delay.
Key highlights of the proposed service include:
- Train Numbers: 18061 (Santragachi-Khatipura) and 18062 (Khatipura-Santragachi).
- Route: Connects via Tatanagar, Ranchi, Muri, Daltonganj, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Agra, Bandikui, and Dausa.
- Coach Type: Equipped with modern LHB coaches for enhanced safety and comfort.
- Status: Rakes were reported to be ready at Santragachi station as early as late June 2026.
Route and Schedule Frustrations
According to the original plans, Train 18061 was scheduled to depart Santragachi every Wednesday at 2:15 PM and reach Khatipura (Jaipur) the following Thursday at 11:00 PM. The return journey, Train 18062, was slated to leave Khatipura every Friday at 9:20 AM and arrive back at Santragachi on Saturday at 3:05 PM. This route was specifically designed to provide a vital rail link for passengers commuting through key industrial and religious hubs.
Growing Public Discontent
The delay has not gone unnoticed by local leadership and advocacy groups. The Chhota Nagpur Passenger Association has expressed deep disappointment, noting that the train is essential for connectivity across several states. Similarly, the Jharkhand Rail Users Association has taken to social media to highlight the public inconvenience caused by the hold-up. Jamshedpur MP Vidyut Varan Mahto, who had been a vocal proponent of this route, remains among those awaiting an explanation for why a service with ready infrastructure remains grounded nearly three months after its approval. As of now, passengers are eagerly awaiting an official update from the railway authorities regarding when they can finally book their tickets on this anticipated route.