This train is an overnight intercity express of ECoR. It has a huge demand both by intermediate and end to end passengers. This train is most preferred by people, especially from the western part of Odisha, who take this train for both Raipur and Bhubaneswar. In a nutshell, it is one of the best short distance express trains of ECoR and the people of Odisha are grateful for the introduction of this train.
I personally prefer this train to go home, to Dhenkanal(DNKL) from Bhubaneswar(BBS) in case if I miss the 58422 Angul Passenger.
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1)Ticket Availability: This train is very very popular on its entire route, but still then tickets remain available, even during holiday seasons, in all the classes. For people travelling to Chhattisgarh from Odisha, this train is always the first choice.(However, I would personally prefer, 12994 and 22827).
2)Punctuality: This is a short distance train, hence huge delays like 3-4hrs is very rare, however, it travels only until BBS on time, it usually reaches CTC with a 5 min delay, and reaches DNKL, usually with a delay of20-30 mins. It runs slow b/w CTC and DNKL. The only reason is that, the consequent passenger halts en-route, fail to give it green signal in timeso that it can maintain its speed. As the stations are almost on astreaight line, the driver can view the signal of the upcoming station, from around 2 kms in this part of the route, hence he/she slows the train down. Sometimes it takes unnecessary stops within CTC and DNKL which is very disappointing. After departing from DNKL, upto TLHD, there exists a double track after that, its single track, all the way to Raipur, hence the delay accumulated within DNKL is not usually recovered. It usually reaches Raipur with an average delay of an hour.
3)Speed: As I pointed out earlier, it runs slow, however, if it gets continuous green signals, then, it is very very aggressive on the track. It does mps i.e 110 kmph within MCS and CTC and within and intermediate station, Rajathagarh(RJGR) and DNKL and also within RAIR and SBP.
Tourism: Harishankar is a very beautiful tourist destination in western Odisha. People usually have to deboard at Bolangir(BLGR) to get a bus to this place, however one can take this train to Harishanker Road, and geT there easily and it reaches there in the early morning. If you're travelling from Coastal Odisha then this train is even more beneficial as you can take this train in the evening back home as Harishankar is a spot, which can be fully enjoyed within a day.
4)Tips for Short Distance passengers: Those who take this train for short distance travels, can easily get a seat in the GEN compartments. However if you're an MST holder, then you can easily travel in the SL class and the TTE will not argue. many MST holders board this train from BBS to DNKL/ANGL. They primarily take the S1,S2 and S4 boggies, hence an MST holder can easily travel in these boggies.
I don't want to promote anything illegal, but If the you see that the GEN boggies are jam-packed(during holidays. especially in August and October), then ask the TTE for help (If you're not an MST holder), he'll definitely give you a seat, either in 3A or in SL. They usually charge Rs.50 from BBS and DNKL in SL and Rs.100 for the same in 3A. The price is double, between BBS and ANGL.
ECO FRIENDLY: This is actually and absurd but true fact on the part of this train. Between PURI and TLHR, this train runs with a VSKP WAM-4, which reduces air pollution and usage of diesel. IT is an exemplary thing, which MUST be followed b all railway zones. Usually, other trains on this route, take a diesel loco from PURI/BBS itself, and run with it on a fully electrified double track till ANGL, I call this train, the Eco-Friendly express.
5)CONCLUSION: Please carry food with you for overnight journeys as this train doesn't have a pantry. You can have food by IRCTC e-catering, from BBS, otherwise carry food from home.
Again if you're travelling from Chhattisgarh to Odisha the this should be your first preference.
However, from Odisha to Chhattisgarh, the first priority must be 12994 PURI-GIMB SF, with the second choice being 22827, PURI-ST SF, however, those are weekly trains and hence on days other than Mondays and Sundays, you can always take this train.(On Wednesdays, prefer 18473 PURI-JU over this train).
