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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Daily |
| Status | Operating |
| Locale | Jharkhand, Orissa |
| Predecessor | 12832/12831 Bhubaneswar - Dhanbad Garib Rath Express |
| First service | 1 April 2026 |
| Current operator | East Coast Railway |
| Route | |
| Termini | Bhubaneswar (BBS) Dhanbad (DHN) |
| Stops | 15 |
| Distance travelled | 776 km (482 mi) |
| Average journey time | 14 hours, 35 minutes |
| Service frequency | Daily [a] |
| Train number | 18403/18404 |
| On-board services | |
| Classes | General, Sleeper, AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Auto-rack arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | No |
| Observation facilities | Large windows |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | 02 |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Operating speed | 53 km/h (33 mph) (average with halts) |
| Rake maintenance | Bhubaneswar |
18403 / 18404 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express is a daily Mail/Express train of the Indian Railways operated by the East Coast Railway zone. It connects Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha with Dhanbad in Jharkhand.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, direct connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Dhanbad was provided by the 12832 / 12831 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Garib Rath Express. The service was discontinued during the pandemic. Subsequently, a Special Fare Special train numbered 02832 / 02831 was introduced on 22 August 2022 to restore connectivity on the route. This special service was later regularised as the 18403 / 18404 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express with effect from 1 April 2026.
History
editPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, direct rail connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Dhanbad was provided by the 12832 / 12831 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Garib Rath Express. The service was discontinued during the nationwide suspension of passenger train operations in 2020.
In order to restore connectivity on the route, Indian Railways introduced the 02832 / 02831 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Special Fare Special with effect from 22 August 2022. The train continued to operate as a special service to cater to passenger demand between Odisha and Jharkhand.
Subsequently, the service was regularised as a permanent daily Mail/Express train with new numbers 18403 / 18404 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express with effect from 1 April 2026.
Service
editThe train runs daily in both directions covering a distance of about 780 kilometres. It takes approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes to complete its journey with an average speed of around 48–54 km/h.
Route and halts
editMajor stoppages of the train include:
Timings
editRake composition
editThe train generally runs with ICF coachesconsisting of AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class and General Unreserved coaches along with SLR coaches. The train operates with electric locomotives throughout its fully electrified route.
Importance
editThe train provides an important direct rail link between the industrial and coal belt regions of Odisha and Jharkhand. It is widely used by daily travellers, students, migrant workers and business passengers.
Notes
edit- ↑ Runs daily for every direction.
References
edit- "Indian Railways regularises Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad and Puri–Patna special trains". The Economic Times. 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- "Patna, Dhanbad special trains converted into regular express services". The Times of India. 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- "Train No. 18403/18404 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad Express introduction notification". East Coast Railway. Retrieved 19 March 2026.