Indian Railways Regularises Bhanjapur–Puri Special Trains into Daily Express Service from May 21
Indian Railways has announced that the popular Bhanjapur–Puri Special trains will be regularised as permanent daily Express services starting May 21, 2026.
The decision comes in response to overwhelming passenger demand and consistent patronage of the special trains.
The new service will operate as Train No. 18017/18018 Bhanjapur–Puri–Bhanjapur Express.
Train No. 18017 will depart Bhanjapur at 11:10 PM and reach Puri at 5:50 AM, while Train No. 18018 will leave Puri at 11:50 PM and arrive at Bhanjapur at 6:50 AM.
The overnight schedule ensures passengers save a working day while enjoying convenient travel.
The Express will halt at major stations including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Baripada, Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, and Khurda Road, strengthening connectivity across northern and coastal Odisha.
The service is expected to benefit students, pilgrims, business travellers, and tourists alike.
Officials highlighted that regularisation will provide reliable year‑round service, better ticket availability, and operational stability, marking a significant step in enhancing Odisha’s rail infrastructure.
