Indian Railways is set to launch a new express train between Puri and Koraput, which is expected to improve rail connectivity within Odisha. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the train from Bhubaneswar railway station on Monday (July 6). The new train service will be maintained and operated by the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone.
Introduction of the Puri-Koraput Express fulfils the long-standing aspiration of people by providing direct rail connectivity between the holy city of Puri and the tribal heartland of Koraput. The train will benefit pilgrims, tourists, students, patients, traders, and the local residents by improving access to religious destinations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial centres across the state.
On Monday, the Puri-Koraput Express will run as an inaugural service with train number 18407/18408. It will run via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma, and Damanjodi.
The train will halt at several stations during its journey, including Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Naraj, Marthapur, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, Kakiriguma, and Damanjodi.
The train will run from Puri on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and from Koraput on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The regular service of the train will see train number 18407 departing from Puri at 7 am and arriving at Koraput at 11:30 pm. On the return journey, train number 18408 will leave Koraput at 5 am and reach Puri at 10:20 pm. The introduction of train number 18407/18408 Puri-Koraput-Puri Express was approved by the Railway Board on May 13, 2026.
