Patna: Indian Railways has announced that the Puri-Patna Special will now operate as a regular service, offering relief to passengers traveling between Odisha and Bihar. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the change, which sees the train renumbered from 08439/08440 to 18405/18406.
The weekly Puri-Patna Express will depart from Puri every Saturday at 2:55 pm, arriving in Patna the following morning at 10:45 am. The return service from Patna will leave every Sunday at 1:30 pm.
In a wider timetable revision, several trains will also receive new numbers to streamline operations. The Howrah–Dehradun service will change from 12327 to 13035, with the return train shifting from 12328 to 13036. Meanwhile, the Howrah–Jammu Tawi and Howrah–Prayagraj Rambagh trains will be renumbered to 13041 and 13047, respectively. These changes are expected to take effect from April 15.
The Railways has also decided to replace certain Superfast services with Mail/Express trains, including the Howrah–Kalka route, in a move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience. Officials have urged travellers to check updated schedules before planning their journeys.
