Argus News - Breaking News: Odisha Gets New Amrit Bharat Train, Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad and Puri-Patna Trains Regularised

Bhubaneswar, Mar 12: In a significant boost to Odisha’s railway connectivity expansion, the Centre has approved a new Amrit Bharat Express linking Assam and Telangana via Odisha, along with the regularisation of two special trains.

This move is expected to enhance passenger convenience and strengthen interstate connectivity.

The newly sanctioned Amrit Bharat train will run between Kamakhya (Assam) and Charlapalli (Secunderabad, Telangana), passing through key Odisha stations including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Balugaon, and Brahmapur. This route will connect eastern and southern India more efficiently, offering Odisha passengers direct access to distant destinations.

Also read: Rail Connectivity Boost for Odisha as New Amrit Bharat Train to Pass Nine Stations in State

In addition, two special trains have now been converted into regular services. The Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Special (18403/18404) will continue its journey via Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Rairakhol, Sambalpur City, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela before reaching Dhanbad.

Similarly, the Puri-Patna Special (08439/08440) will run regularly via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore before heading to Patna. These changes will provide consistent travel options for passengers who previously relied on temporary services.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving these services, highlighting the Centre’s commitment to strengthening Odisha’s rail infrastructure.

“Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji for approving the regularisation of the Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Special as the Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Express and the Puri-Patna Special as the Puri-Patna Express,” CM Majhi wrote on his ‘X’ handle.

Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji for approving the regularisation of the Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Special as the Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express and the Puri–Patna Special as the Puri–Patna Express.

This…

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 11, 2026

“This important decision will strengthen rail connectivity for Odisha, enhancing passenger convenience while boosting mobility, tourism and regional development across the state,” the post reads further.

The Railway Minister formally communicated the decision to the Chief Minister through an official letter.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Thanks PM Modi, Vaishnaw for Podanur-Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express

Meanwhile, railway operations in Puri will face temporary disruptions between March 11 and May 16, 2026. During this period, 29 trains will not run to Puri, with 16 terminating at Sakhigopal, 9 at Purushottampur, and 4 at Khurda Road.

Several special services, including Shalimar-Puri TOD specials, Puri-Shalimar TOD specials, and Puri-Bhajnapur TOD specials, have been cancelled temporarily. Additionally, the Khurda Road–Puri MEMU service (68409/68410) will not operate temporarily.