Santragachi-Khatipura Weekly Express: New Route Launched!
Indian Railways launches the Santragachi-Khatipura Weekly Express to connect West Bengal and Rajasthan via Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
In a significant boost to long-distance rail connectivity, Indian Railways has officially introduced a new weekly express service connecting Santragachi in West Bengal to Khatipura in Rajasthan. The service was virtually flagged off by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on October 26, 2026, marking a new chapter for passengers traveling between the eastern and western parts of the country.
The launch ceremony saw high-profile participation, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and State Minister Dilip Ghosh attending the event at Santragachi station. Meanwhile, the launch at Khatipura station was overseen by Jaipur MP Manju Sharma and Mayor Sunil Kothari.
Detailed Schedule and Timings
Passengers planning to avail of this new service should note the specific departure days and timings for both directions. The train will operate under the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone, with coordination from the North Western Railway (NWR).
Santragachi to Khatipura (Train No. 18061)
- First Commercial Run: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Departure from Santragachi: 2:15 PM
- Arrival at Khatipura: 11:00 PM (the following day)
Khatipura to Santragachi (Train No. 18062)
- First Commercial Run: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Departure from Khatipura: 9:15 AM
- Arrival at Santragachi: 7:45 PM (the following day)
Route, Distance, and Major Stops
The Santragachi–Khatipura Weekly Express will cover a massive distance of over 1,500 km. The journey is expected to take approximately 32 hours and 45 minutes, providing a vital link through several key states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The train will make scheduled stops at the following important stations:
- Kharagpur
- Tatanagar
- Ranchi
- Daltonganj
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Bandikui
Modern LHB Coach Configuration
To ensure a comfortable long-distance journey, the train features a modern 22-coach LHB configuration. The amenities provided cater to various passenger needs, including:
- First AC and Second AC coaches
- Third AC and Third AC Economy coaches
- Sleeper Class and General coaches
- A dedicated Pantry Car for onboard catering
- Special Divyangjan coaches for specially-abled passengers
"This service is designed to improve rail connectivity across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, benefiting migrant workers, students, and tourists alike." — Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan
With this new addition, Indian Railways continues its push to strengthen interstate connectivity, making travel easier for thousands of commuters across these diverse regions.