Travel between Odisha and Bihar is set to become easier as East Coast Railway has decided to convert the Puri–Patna special train into a regular weekly express service.
Earlier, the train operated only on special occasions and selected dates.
Now, passengers will be able to travel on a fixed weekly schedule, making trip planning much more convenient.
The move is expected to benefit students, workers, tourists, and families who frequently travel between the two states.
Weekly Schedule Announced
The regular train service will begin later this month.
Train No. 18405 Puri–Patna Express will run every Saturday starting from May 23, 2026.
Train No. 18406 Patna–Puri Express will run every Sunday starting from May 24, 2026.
With the service now becoming permanent on a weekly basis, passengers will no longer have to wait for special train announcements or face uncertainty while planning journeys.
Route and Important Stations
The weekly express train will pass through several major stations across Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Key stoppages include:
Puri
Khurda Road
Bhubaneswar
Cuttack
Bhadrak
Balasore
Kharagpur
Bardhaman
Durgapur
Asansol
Jasidih
Kiul
Mokama
Bakhtiyarpur
Patna
The route is expected to improve rail connectivity for passengers travelling between eastern and northern India.
How This Train Will Benefit Passengers
The biggest advantage of the new service is reliability.
Earlier, travellers had to depend on temporary special trains, which often created confusion regarding availability and schedules.
With a fixed weekly timetable, passengers can now book tickets in advance and plan trips more comfortably.
The train is also expected to reduce travel difficulties for people who regularly travel between Odisha and Bihar for education, jobs, business, and family visits.
By offering a direct and regular rail connection, the Puri–Patna Express is likely to become an important travel option for thousands of passengers every week.
