Santragachi-Khatipura Express: Route, Timings and Stops

The Ministry of Railways has introduced the Santragachi-Khatipura (Jaipur) Express to improve rail connectivity between West Bengal and Rajasthan, with the new service also linking important destinations across Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the train on Monday, with the South Eastern Railway (SER) responsible for its operation and maintenance.

Operating as train numbers 18061 and 18062, the Santragachi-Khatipura Express will cover more than 1,500 km between Santragachi, near Kolkata, and Khatipura in Jaipur. The journey will take approximately 32 hours and 45 minutes, offering passengers another long-distance rail option between eastern and northwestern India.

According to the Railways, the service is expected to benefit people travelling for business, education, employment and other purposes. Its route includes major railway stations in several states, providing additional connectivity for passengers travelling between eastern India, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Santragachi-Khatipura Express: Key Details

• Train name: Santragachi-Khatipura (Jaipur) Express
• Train numbers: 18061 (Santragachi to Khatipura) and 18062 (Khatipura to Santragachi)
• Starting station: Santragachi, West Bengal
• Destination: Khatipura, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Distance: More than 1,500 km
• Travel time: Approximately 32 hours and 45 minutes
• Operating railway zone: South Eastern Railway (SER)
• Regular service begins: November 4, 2026, from Santragachi and November 6, 2026, from Khatipura

Santragachi-Khatipura Express Route and Stoppages

The Santragachi-Khatipura Express will connect stations across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The announced route includes major railway junctions and regional stations, giving passengers access to several destinations along the journey.

According to the Railways, the train will stop at the following stations en route:

• Santragachi
• Kharagpur
• Tatanagar
• Chandil
• Purulia
• Muri
• Ranchi
• Lohardaga
• Tori
• Latehar
• Barwadih
• Daltonganj
• Garhwa Road
• Japla
• Dehri on Sone
• Sasaram
• Bhabua Road
• Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
• Mirzapur
• Prayagraj
• Fatehpur
• Kanpur Central
• Tundla
• Idgah Agra
• Kherli
• Mandawar Mahwa Road
• Bandikui
• Dausa
• Khatipura (Jaipur)

The list includes stations in eastern India, the Ganga plains and Rajasthan. Passengers planning to board or get off at an intermediate station should check the final railway timetable for the applicable arrival and departure times.

Santragachi-Khatipura Express Timings

The regular commercial service will begin in November 2026. The train will operate on a weekly schedule in each direction, with different departure days for the onward and return journeys.

Train 18061: Santragachi to Khatipura

• Departure station: Santragachi
• Departure day: Every Wednesday
• Departure time: 2:15 pm
• Arrival station: Khatipura, Jaipur
• Arrival time: 11:00 pm the following day
• First regular run: November 4, 2026

Train 18061 will leave Santragachi at 2:15 pm on Wednesdays and reach Khatipura at 11:00 pm on Thursdays, according to the announced schedule.

Train 18062: Khatipura to Santragachi

• Departure station: Khatipura, Jaipur
• Departure day: Every Friday
• Departure time: 9:15 am
• Arrival station: Santragachi
• Arrival time: 7:45 pm the following day
• First regular run: November 6, 2026

In the return direction, train 18062 will depart Khatipura at 9:15 am every Friday and arrive at Santragachi at 7:45 pm on Saturday.

How Long Will the Santragachi-Jaipur Train Journey Take?

The Santragachi-Khatipura Express is scheduled to cover more than 1,500 km in approximately 32 hours and 45 minutes. The journey will connect eastern India with Jaipur through a route serving stations in multiple states.

Because the train operates over a long distance, passengers should plan their travel around the scheduled departure and arrival times and allow for the possibility of timetable changes or operational delays.

The published schedule gives the main departure and arrival times at the two terminal stations. Passengers boarding at intermediate stops should consult the official timetable to confirm their station-specific timings.

How the New Express Train Could Improve Connectivity

The new service is intended to strengthen rail links between West Bengal and Rajasthan while improving access to destinations in Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. A direct train connection can simplify long-distance travel for passengers who might otherwise need to plan journeys using multiple services.

Santragachi serves the Kolkata metropolitan region, while Khatipura provides access to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Connecting the two terminals through a single scheduled service adds another option for passengers travelling between eastern and northwestern India.

The intermediate stops also serve travellers who do not need to travel the entire route. Stations such as Tatanagar, Ranchi, Sasaram, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central and Agra provide access to important regional destinations along the journey.

The Railways said the service is expected to benefit business professionals and people travelling for education, employment and other purposes. Its longer-term impact will depend on passenger demand, the reliability of the service and how effectively the timetable meets travel needs across the route.

When Does the Santragachi-Khatipura Express Start?

The first regular service from Santragachi is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while the return service from Khatipura is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Train 18061 will operate from Santragachi every Wednesday, and train 18062 will operate from Khatipura every Friday, according to the announced schedule.

Passengers should verify the latest timings, stoppages, ticket availability and other journey details through official Indian Railways booking and enquiry channels before travelling, as operational information can change.

Santragachi-Khatipura Express: What Passengers Should Know

The Santragachi-Khatipura (Jaipur) Express adds a new long-distance rail connection between West Bengal and Rajasthan. With a route spanning more than 1,500 km, a scheduled journey time of 32 hours and 45 minutes, and stops across several states, the service is designed to provide another travel option for passengers moving between eastern India and Jaipur.

The weekly schedule begins with departures from Santragachi on Wednesdays and from Khatipura on Fridays. Travellers should check the official timetable for station-specific timings and confirm current booking details before making travel arrangements.