In a significant move to improve long-distance rail travel, **East Coast Railway** has announced the introduction of two pairs of weekly Express trains. These new services will strengthen connectivity between West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, offering greater convenience for passengers traveling between major cities in the region.
The first service is the **Santragachi–Yelahanka–Santragachi AC Express** (Train Nos. 18063/18064).
- Train No. **18063 Santragachi–Yelahanka AC Express** will depart from Santragachi every **Thursday** starting **2 April 2026** at 12:50 hrs and reach Yelahanka on Saturday at 00:20 hrs.
- In the return direction, Train No. **18064 Yelahanka–Santragachi AC Express** will leave Yelahanka every **Saturday** from **4 April 2026** at 04:50 hrs and arrive at Santragachi on Sunday at 17:00 hrs.
This fully air-conditioned train will pass through important stations under East Coast Railway, including Bhadrak, Cuttack, **Bhubaneswar**, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram, Kottavalasa, Pendurti, and Duvvada.
The second new service is the **Shalimar–MGR Chennai Central–Shalimar Weekly Express** (Train Nos. 18041/18042).
- Train No. **18041 Shalimar–MGR Chennai Central Express** will depart from Shalimar every **Monday** effective **6 April 2026** at 14:45 hrs and reach MGR Chennai Central on Tuesday at 16:45 hrs.
- In the return direction, Train No. **18042 MGR Chennai Central–Shalimar Express** will depart from MGR Chennai Central every **Tuesday** from **7 April 2026** at 18:45 hrs and arrive at Shalimar on Thursday at 04:00 hrs.
This train will also serve key East Coast Railway stations such as Bhadrak, Cuttack, **Bhubaneswar**, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Vizianagaram, and Duvvada.
Railway officials expect these weekly services to ease pressure on existing long-distance trains and provide reliable, comfortable travel options for passengers, students, and professionals moving between eastern and southern states.
