Baripada–Puri, Shalimar–Bhanjpur special trains regularised boosting rail connectivity in Odisha

The Indian Railways has converted two special trains connecting Baripada in Mayurbhanj district with Puri and Kolkata into regular services. The move is expected to strengthen rail connectivity across northern and coastal Odisha and provide improved access to key urban centres.

The trains regularised are the Bhanjpur–Puri Special (08011/08012) and the Shalimar–Bhanjpur Special (08007/08008), which were earlier operating temporarily.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the regularisation of the services.

In a tweet, he wrote, “Grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri  @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji for approving the regularisation of Train No. 08011/08012 Bhanjpur–Puri Special.”

This important decision will strengthen rail connectivity across Odisha, benefiting the people of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts with improved access to Bhubaneswar and Puri, while boosting mobility, tourism and regional development."

In another tweet, he wrote, "Grateful to the Ministry of Railways for approving the regularisation of the Shalimar–Bhanjpur Special and introducing the Shalimar–Charlapalli service as an Amrit Bharat Express under Indian Railways.

These decisions will significantly strengthen rail connectivity across Odisha, benefiting passengers in North and Coastal districts with improved accessibility, faster travel and enhanced convenience.

Enhanced stoppages at key stations, including Jaleswar, Basta, Rupsa, Baripada, Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore and others will boost regional mobility, trade and tourism.

Committed to building stronger connectivity for a Viksit Odisha."

Timings And Operational Details

Train No. 08011 Bhanjpur–Puri will depart from Bhanjpur at 11.10 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays and reach Puri at 5.50 am the next morning. 

Its return service, Train No. 08012 Puri–Bhanjpur, will leave Puri at 11.50 pm on Fridays and Sundays and arrive at Bhanjpur at 6.50 am the following day. 

The Shalimar–Bhanjpur Special (08007) will operate from Shalimar at 4.25 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, reaching Bhanjpur at 9.30 pm on the same day. 

In the opposite direction, the Bhanjpur–Shalimar Special (08008) will depart Bhanjpur at 9.15 am on Mondays and Saturdays and arrive at Shalimar at 3.30 pm the same day.

The regularisation of these services is expected to enhance passenger convenience and improve regional connectivity.