Puri: Odisha received a major boost in rail connectivity on Monday with the launch of the new Puri–Koraput Express, providing a direct link between the coastal pilgrimage city of Puri and the tribal-dominated Koraput region in southern Odisha.
The train service was flagged off from Puri Railway Station by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The newly introduced Train No. 18407/18408 Puri–Koraput Express will operate as a tri-weekly service, improving travel convenience for passengers across several districts of the state.
According to the railway schedule, the Puri–Koraput Express (18407) will depart from Puri at 7:00 AM every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, reaching Koraput at 11:30 PM on the same day.
On the return journey, the Koraput–Puri Express (18408) will leave Koraput at 5:00 AM every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, arriving in Puri at 10:20 PM.
Major Stoppages of Puri–Koraput Express (18407)
- Puri – 7:00 AM
- Khurda Road – 8:05 AM / 8:10 AM
- Bhubaneswar – 8:30 AM / 8:35 AM
- Sambalpur – 1:20 PM / 1:30 PM
- Titlagarh – 4:25 PM / 4:35 PM
- Kesinga – 4:53 PM / 4:55 PM
- Rayagada – 7:45 PM / 8:15 PM
- Koraput – 11:30 PM (Arrival)
Major Stoppages of Koraput–Puri Express (18408)
- Koraput – 5:00 AM
- Rayagada – 9:00 AM / 9:30 AM
- Kesinga – 11:20 AM / 11:22 AM
- Titlagarh – 11:40 AM / 11:50 AM
- Sambalpur – 2:50 PM / 3:00 PM
- Bhubaneswar – 8:15 PM / 8:20 PM
- Khurda Road – 8:50 PM / 8:55 PM
- Puri – 10:20 PM (Arrival)
In addition to these major stations, the train will halt at several important locations including Naraj Marthapur, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Boinda, Rairakhol, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Muniguda, Tikiri, Laxmipur Road, Kakiriguma, and Damanjodi.
The new rail service is expected to enhance connectivity between coastal, western, and southern Odisha, facilitate tourism and pilgrimage travel, and provide a convenient transportation option for students, traders, and daily commuters across the state.
