TNI Bureau: Enhancing rail connectivity across Odisha, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the introduction of a new tri-weekly express train service linking Puri and Koraput. This new service, designated as the 18407/18408 Puri-Koraput Express, is anticipated to begin operations shortly.

A recent official statement from the Railway Board on May 13 confirmed that the train will operate three times weekly, establishing a vital intercity rail link between coastal Odisha and the tribal regions of the southern districts.

The proposed timetable indicates that Train No. 18407 will depart Puri at 7:00 AM, arriving in Koraput at 11:00 PM the same day. Conversely, Train No. 18408 will depart Koraput at 9:00 AM, reaching Puri at 10:20 PM.

Key stations along the route will include Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Titlagarh, Kesinga, and Rayagada. Further commercial stops are scheduled at Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Boinda, Balangir, Muniguda, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, and Kakiriguma.

Railway officials announced that services from Puri will run on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with return journeys from Koraput scheduled for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The train is expected to comprise 18 coaches, offering both AC and sleeper class accommodations, to serve passengers traveling between southern and coastal Odisha for purposes such as tourism, business, education, and medical needs.

The Railway Board has instructed East Coast Railway to finalize necessary arrangements and schedule the inaugural service upon receiving final clearance.