In response to sustained passenger demand and to enhance travel convenience, Indian Railways has approved the regularisation of several special train services into regular express trains.
Special Trains Now Become Regular Express Services
The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the conversion of the following special trains into regular express services:
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Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar Special (02832/02831) → Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar Express (18403/18404)
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Puri–Patna–Puri Special (08439/08440) → Puri–Patna–Puri Express (18405/18406)
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Visakhapatnam–Tirupati–Visakhapatnam Special (08583/08584) → Visakhapatnam–Tirupati–Visakhapatnam Express (18507/18508)
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Visakhapatnam–SMVT Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam Special (08581/08582) → Visakhapatnam–SMVT Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam Express (18509/18510)
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Visakhapatnam–Tirupati–Visakhapatnam Special (08547/08548) → Visakhapatnam–Tirupati–Visakhapatnam Express (18505/18506)
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Visakhapatnam–Charlapalli–Visakhapatnam Special (08579/08580) → Visakhapatnam–Charlapalli–Visakhapatnam Express (18527/18528)
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
These trains have consistently witnessed high patronage since their introduction as special services. Their regularisation will ensure enhanced convenience, reliability, and seamless travel across important destinations including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Patna, Dhanbad, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Bengaluru, and the Hyderabad region.
The services will continue to maintain their current stoppages, timings, and train composition. Specific commencement dates for the regularised operations will be announced separately.
Commitment to Passenger Convenience
This initiative reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to proactively respond to passenger needs while bolstering regional connectivity. By converting high-demand special trains into regular services, railways aim to provide safer, more comfortable, and reliable travel options for millions of passengers across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.