Puri: Indian Railways has announced special train services between Jagdalpur and Puri and Rayagada and Puri to facilitate the movement of devotees travelling for the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026.
With lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit Puri during the annual festival, the Railways has introduced additional services as part of a broader plan to manage the surge in passenger traffic.
Jagdalpur-Puri special train schedule
According to the Railways, Train No. 08553 Jagdalpur-Puri Special will operate on July 15 and July 23, 2026.
The train will depart from Jagdalpur at 6.00 am and reach Puri at 1.40 am the following day.
For the return journey, Train No. 08554 Puri-Jagdalpur Special will run on July 16 and July 24, 2026.
The train will leave Puri at 7.15 pm and arrive in Jagdalpur at 1.15 pm the next day.
| Train | Train No. | Date of Operation | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagdalpur-Puri Special | 08553 | July 15 & 23, 2026 | 6.00 am | 1.40 am (next day) |
| Puri-Jagdalpur Special | 08554 | July 16 & 24, 2026 | 7.15 pm | 1.15 pm (next day) |
Rayagada-Puri special service
Indian Railways will also operate a Rayagada-Puri Special to cater to the additional demand during the Rath Yatra period.
The service is expected to benefit devotees travelling from southern Odisha and adjoining regions.
Railway authorities said passengers should refer to official railway announcements for the latest operating dates, timings and platform information.
Major stoppages on the route
The Jagdalpur-Puri Special will halt at several important stations along its route, including:
- Koraput
- Jeypore
- Kotpad
- Rayagada
- Gunupur
- Paralakhemundi
- Palasa
- Khurda Road
- Puri
The Rayagada-Puri Special will also stop at major stations notified by the Railways.
Over 300 special trains for Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India’s largest religious festivals and attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad every year.
To manage the anticipated rush, Indian Railways is operating more than 300 special trains on various routes connected to Puri during this year’s festival season.
Railway officials have advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance, book tickets early wherever required and verify train schedules through official railway channels before travelling, as timings may be revised.
The special train services are expected to ease congestion and provide additional travel options for pilgrims attending the world-renowned festival in Puri.