The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Tuesday announced the regular operation of the Puri–Koraput–Puri Tri-Weekly Express from July 11, improving rail connectivity between coastal, central and southern Odisha.
Train No. 18407 Puri–Koraput Tri-Weekly Express will run every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from July 11, departing Puri at 7 am and reaching Koraput at 11.30 pm the same day.
In the return direction, Train No. 18408 Koraput–Puri Tri-Weekly Express will commence regular services from July 12 and operate every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. It will leave Koraput at 5 am and arrive in Puri at 10.20 pm.
The train will stop at major stations, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Naraj Marthapur, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, Kakirigumma and Damanjodi.
The service will operate with 18 modern LHB coaches, comprising one AC Two-Tier coach, three AC Three-Tier coaches, eight Sleeper Class coaches, four General Second Class coaches, one Second Class-cum-Luggage Brake Van and one Divyang-friendly Second Class-cum-Luggage coach.
The regular operation of the train is expected to strengthen rail connectivity across Odisha and facilitate tourism, pilgrimage, trade, education and regional economic development by providing a direct link between coastal and southern parts of the state.
Passengers have been advised to check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or the official Indian Railways website for train schedules and other travel-related information before planning their journey.