Railways Introduce Two Weekly Express Trains to Boost Long-Distance Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to long-distance rail connectivity, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of two pairs of weekly express trains connecting key cities across eastern and southern India, aiming to enhance passenger convenience.

The first service, Train No. 18063 Santragachi–Yalahanka AC Express, will depart from Santragachi every Thursday starting April 2, 2026, at 12:50 hrs and reach Yalahanka on Saturday at 00:20 hrs. In the return direction, Train No. 18064 Yalahanka–Santragachi AC Express will leave Yalahanka every Saturday from April 4, 2026, at 04:50 hrs and arrive at Santragachi on Sunday at 17:00 hrs.

En route, the train will pass through several key stations under East Coast Railway jurisdiction, including Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram, Kottavalasa, Pendurti, and Duvvada, among others.

Additionally, Train No. 18041 Shalimar–MGR Chennai Weekly Express will depart from Shalimar every Monday starting April 6, 2026, at 14:45 hrs and reach MGR Chennai on Tuesday at 16:45 hrs. The return service, Train No. 18042 MGR Chennai–Shalimar Express, will depart from MGR Chennai every Tuesday from April 7, 2026, at 18:45 hrs and arrive at Shalimar on Thursday at 04:00 hrs.

This train will also pass through major stations such as Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Vizianagaram, and Duvvada.

These newly introduced services are expected to significantly improve connectivity between West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, offering passengers more travel options and greater convenience.