Western Railway has announced the introduction of a special fare train service between Udhna in Gujarat and Puri in Odisha. The decision aims to enhance passenger convenience and accommodate increased travel needs during the festive season.
The special service is expected to provide an additional option for travellers on this busy route, easing congestion on other trains and meeting the needs of those looking for a direct connection between these two key destinations. According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the special train—designated as Train No. 08435 Udhna-Puri Special—will commence its journey from Udhna at 22:55 hours on Sunday, 1st September 2024. The train will arrive in Puri at 08:35 hours on Tuesday, 3rd September 2024. The return service, Train No. 08436 Puri-Udhna Special, will depart from Puri at 11:15 hours on Saturday, 31st August 2024, reaching Udhna at 19:55 hours the following day.
The train will make stops at several major stations en route, including Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Akola, Badnera, Wardha, Nagpur, Gondia, Durg, Raipur, Mahasamund, Khariar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Parvatipuram, Bobbili, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Palasa, Sompeta, Brahmapur, Chhatrapur, Balugaon, and Khurda Road in both directions. This extensive list of halts aims to cater to the needs of passengers across multiple regions, ensuring widespread connectivity. The special train will feature a range of coach classes, including AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class, offering diverse travel options to suit different passenger preferences and budgets.
Bookings for Train No. 08435 Udhna-Puri Special will be available from 31st August 2024 at all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, as well as on the IRCTC website. Passengers are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred class and seating arrangement. Additional information on train schedules, halts, and coach composition can be obtained by visiting the Indian Railways enquiry portal. This initiative by Western Railway is part of its broader strategy to enhance travel convenience and efficiency, particularly during peak travel periods. By providing a direct route between Udhna and Puri, the special fare train is expected to ease congestion on existing services, providing a timely solution to meet growing passenger demand.
