East Coast Railway has announced a Rath Yatra Special Train service between Visakhapatnam and Puri via Argul and Harirampur (bypassing Khurda Road), operating as a special train on demand. Train 08551 (Visakhapatnam–Puri Special) will run on 15.07.2026 and 23.07.2026, while train 08552 (Puri–Visakhapatnam Special) will run on 17.07.2026 and 25.07.2026. The schedule shows departure from Visakhapatnam at 12:30 and arrival at Puri at 21:30, while the return service departs Puri at 02:30 and arrives at Visakhapatnam at 11:05. The trains will halt at Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Naupada Junction, Palasa, Brahmapur, Chatrapur, Khalikot, Nirakarpur, Haripurgram, Delang, Birpurushottampur, Sakhigopal, Janakideipur, and Malatipatpur. Additional stoppages mentioned are Simhachalam, Kottavalasa, Chipurupalli, Ponduru, Tilaru, Kotabommali, Mandasa, Sompeta, Ichhapuram, Balugaon, Kaluparaghat, Haripurgram, Motari, Kanas Road, and Jenapur. The coach composition consists of one luggage-cum-divyang friendly coach, four sleeper coaches, and six general coaches.

The special train service has been introduced to facilitate travel during the Rath Yatra period and provide additional rail connectivity for passengers. Travelers are advised to check train availability, timings, and booking status before planning their journey. Passengers are also requested to arrive at their boarding stations in advance and follow railway guidelines for a safe and comfortable trip.

Passengers are requested to visit the Indian Railways website (www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in), dial 139, or download the NTES app for detailed arrival and departure timings at the respective stations.

Source- ECoR