Puja Special Trains 2026: Odisha–Bengal Routes Announced for Festive Rush

Bhubaneswar: To ease festive travel during Durga Puja and Diwali 2026, the East Coast Railway has announced special trains connecting Odisha and West Bengal.

Two major routes will operate:

  • Puri–Santragachi–Puri (Train Nos. 08405/08406): Running on Mondays from Puri (Oct 5–26) and Tuesdays from Santragachi (Oct 6–27). Key stoppages include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Kharagpur.
  • Equipped with 18 modern LHB coaches, including AC 2‑Tier, AC 3‑Tier, Sleeper, and General compartments.
  • Shalimar–Khurda Road–Shalimar (Train Nos. 08043/08044): Running Mondays from Shalimar (Oct 12–Nov 9) and Tuesdays from Khurda Road (Oct 13–Nov 10).
  • Stops include Santragachi, Kharagpur, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar.
  • This service will feature 22 ICF coaches with similar facilities.

Railway officials have advised passengers to check schedules on NTES and book tickets early to avoid last‑minute rush.