TNI Bureau: In a major boost to rail connectivity in Odisha, Indian Railways has announced the regular operation of the newly introduced Puri–Koraput–Puri Tri-Weekly Express. The train, flagged off at Puri Railway Station on July 6 by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will commence regular services from July 11 from Puri and July 12 from Koraput.
Train No. 18407 Puri–Koraput Tri-Weekly Express will run every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. It will depart from Puri at 7:00 am and reach Koraput at 11:30 pm the same day.
In the return direction, Train No. 18408 Koraput–Puri Tri-Weekly Express will operate every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from July 12. The train will leave Koraput at 5:00 am and arrive in Puri at 10:20 pm.
The train will halt at several important 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, providing improved connectivity between coastal, central and southern Odisha.
The express train will comprise 18 modern LHB coaches, including one AC 2-tier coach, three AC 3-tier coaches, eight sleeper class coaches, four general second-class coaches, one second-class luggage-cum-brake van and one Divyang-friendly second-class luggage coach, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for passengers across different travel classes.
According to Indian Railways, the regular introduction of the Puri–Koraput Tri-Weekly Express marks another milestone in expanding Odisha’s rail network and enhancing passenger convenience. The new service is expected to boost tourism, pilgrimage, trade, education and socio-economic development while providing faster and more convenient connectivity between coastal and southern Odisha.
Passengers can avail themselves of Train Nos. 18407/18408 for travel between Puri and Koraput. For updated schedules and other travel-related information, passengers are advised to check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or the official Indian Railways website before planning their journey.
