Rathyatra Special Train: Good news for railway passengers. In anticipation of the massive influx of devotees for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, the East Coast Railway has decided to run special trains to assist passengers traveling from western Odisha to Puri, facilitating their pilgrimage to Jagannath Dham.
Special trains will be in operation on various routes like Jagdalpur-Puri, Rayagada-Puri, and Sambalpur-Puri to cater to the increased number of passengers during the Rath Yatra, offering a convenient travel option for individuals from southern and western Odisha. Here is an overview of the train routes and schedules:
1. Jagdalpur-Puri Special Train Time Schedule
Train No. 08553 Jagdalpur-Puri Special will depart from Jagdalpur at 6:00 AM on July 15, 2026, and July 23, 2026, reaching Puri at 1:40 AM the next day. The return journey, Train No. 08554 Puri-Jagdalpur Special, will depart from Puri at 7:15 PM on July 16, 2026, and July 24, 2026, arriving at Jagdalpur at 1:15 PM the following day.
Route and Key Stops
The train will make stops at major stations such as Koraput, Jaipur, Kotpad, Rayagada, Gunupur, Parlakhemundi, Palasa, and Khurda Road. Additionally, a Rayagada-Puri special train will operate on designated dates, making stops at important stations for the benefit of pilgrims from southern Odisha.
Bringing Western Odisha closer to Shree Jagannath Dham.✨
To facilitate the increased passenger movement during Rath Yatra 2026, East Coast Railway is operating a Special Train between Sambalpur and Puri on selected dates.
This special service offers enhanced connectivity and… pic.twitter.com/Rgyv7OZe5V
“>July 10, 2026
2. Rath Yatra 2026: Train timings for Sambalpur-Puri route:
Shalimar-Puri Special Train
The Railways will run Train No. 08565/08566 Shalimar-Puri-Shalimar Rath Yatra Special train on July 15 and 23, 2026, departing from Shalimar at 6 pm and arriving in Puri at 6 am the following day. The return journey will start from Puri at 12:30 AM on July 17 and 25, reaching Shalimar at 1:30 PM.
The train will make stops at stations including Santragachi, Mecheda, Kharagpur, Belda, Dantan, Jaleswar, Basta, Rupsa, Baleshwar, and Soro. With millions of devotees expected to visit Puri for Rath Yatra 2026 from all over the country, the Indian Railways is operating over 300 special trains to ensure the convenience of passengers during this busy period.