Santragachi-Khatipura Express: New Train Links 5 States!
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off the Santragachi-Khatipura Express, linking West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, UP, and Rajasthan.
In a major expansion of the Indian Railways network, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has virtually flagged off the new Santragachi-Khatipura (Jaipur) Express. This significant new service is designed to enhance connectivity across five major states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The new train service aims to provide a vital link for business professionals, students, and laborers, while simultaneously boosting trade and tourism in the Rajasthan region. Spanning a massive distance of 1,677 km, the train will make 29 scheduled halts along its route.
Route and Key Station Stops
The Santragachi-Khatipura Express will pass through several important junctions, connecting the eastern belt to the heart of Rajasthan. Key stations along the 1,677 km route include:
- Kharagpur
- Tatanagar
- Ranchi
- Daltonganj
- Dehri on Sone
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Idgah Agra
- Bandikui
- Dausa
Full Train Schedule and Timings
The service will operate under two distinct numbers to manage the journey between Santragachi and Khatipura. Regular services are set to commence in early November 2026.
Train No. 18061: Santragachi to Khatipura
This service will provide a weekly connection from West Bengal toward Rajasthan.
- Departure: Every Wednesday at 2:15 PM from Santragachi
- Arrival: 11:00 PM at Khatipura (the following day)
- Regular Service Starts: November 4, 2026
Train No. 18062: Khatipura to Santragachi
The return journey will cater to passengers traveling back toward the eastern states.
- Departure: Every Friday at 9:15 AM from Khatipura
- Arrival: 7:45 PM at Santragachi (Saturday)
- Regular Service Starts: November 6, 2026
Modern LHB Coaches for Passenger Comfort
To ensure a high-quality travel experience on this long-distance route, the railway has equipped the train with modern LHB coaches. Passengers can choose from various configurations to suit their needs, including:
- Sleeper Class
- Third AC
- Second AC
The inaugural run, designated as special train 08181, successfully departed Santragachi on October 26, marking the beginning of this new era of interstate rail connectivity.