ECoR to Run Puja Special Trains Between Sambalpur and Santragachi

Bhubaneswar: To manage the expected rise in passenger traffic during the upcoming Durga Puja and Diwali festive season, East Coast Railway will operate special trains between Sambalpur in Odisha and Santragachi in West Bengal from October 14 to 22, 2026.

Train No. 08303 Sambalpur–Santragachi Special will depart from Sambalpur at 4.15 pm every Wednesday on October 14 and 21, reaching Santragachi at 2 am the following day.

In the return direction, Train No. 08304 Santragachi–Sambalpur Special will leave Santragachi at 7.05 pm every Thursday on October 15 and 22. It will arrive at Sambalpur at 7.45 am the following Friday.

The special trains will stop at Rengali, Jharsuguda Junction, Raj Gangpur, Rourkela, Chakradharpur, Tatanagar Junction, Kharagpur Junction and Ulubaria, among other stations. Additional stoppages have been provided at Bagdihi, Bamra, Garpos, Bisra, Manoharpur, Rajkharsawan Junction, Jhargram, Panskura and Bagnan to facilitate passenger travel along the route.

Each special train will have 21 coaches, comprising six AC 3-Tier coaches, two AC 2-Tier coaches, seven Sleeper Class coaches and four General Class coaches. The remaining two coaches will be luggage-cum-generator-cum-brake vans, including facilities for Divyang passengers.

The additional services are aimed at providing more travel options and helping passengers manage their journeys during the festive rush. Passengers are advised to check the latest train schedules and other details through official railway channels before commencing their journey.