Indian Railways is the lifeline of millions of travelers across the country, connecting bustling cities, serene towns, and remote villages. Among its vast network of trains, special fare trains like Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229 play a crucial role in meeting seasonal demand and providing convenient travel options. These trains, operating between Patna Junction (PNBE) and Puri (PURI), are popular among passengers traveling between Bihar and Odisha, especially during festivals, holidays, or pilgrimage seasons. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive deep into the timetable, routes, and all essential details about Train Number 03230 (Patna to Puri Special Fare AC Special) and Train Number 03229 (Puri to Patna Special Fare AC Special). Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about these trains, this guide has everything you need to know.
The information presented here is sourced from reliable platforms like India Rail Info (indiarailinfo.com), a trusted resource for rail enthusiasts and travelers seeking accurate train schedules and route details. Let’s explore the journey of Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229, their operational history, station stops, travel duration, and much more.
Overview of Train Number 03230: Patna to Puri Special Fare AC Special
What is Train Number 03230?
Train Number 03230, officially known as the Patna – Puri Special Fare AC Special, is a limited-run train operated by the East Central Railway (ECR) zone of Indian Railways. This train is designed to cater to passengers traveling from Patna Junction (PNBE) in Bihar to Puri (PURI) in Odisha, a route that holds significance due to Puri’s status as a major pilgrimage destination, home to the revered Jagannath Temple. The train operates as an AC Express, offering air-conditioned coaches for a comfortable journey, especially during peak travel seasons.
Key Features of Train Number 03230
- Train Type: AC Express (Special Fare)
- Operating Zone: East Central Railway (ECR)
- Origin Station: Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Destination Station: Puri (PURI)
- Total Distance: Approximately 931 km
- Journey Time: 18 hours and 10 minutes
- Coach Composition: AC coaches (typically 2A, 3A, and possibly SL depending on availability)
- Frequency: Operates on Thursdays (limited run, subject to extension)
- Special Note: This train uses LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches, known for their safety and comfort.
Timetable of Train Number 03230
The timetable of Train Number 03230 is meticulously planned to ensure passengers reach their destination efficiently. Below is the detailed schedule based on data from India Rail Info:
- Departure from Patna Junction (PNBE): 08:45 AM (Thursday)
- Arrival at Puri (PURI): 02:55 AM (Friday, next day)
- Total Travel Time: 18 hours and 10 minutes
- Average Speed: 51 km/hr
Station-wise Timetable and Route of Train Number 03230
Here’s a breakdown of the major stops along the route of Train Number 03230, including arrival and departure times:
- Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Departure: 08:45 AM
- Starting point of the journey in Bihar’s capital.
- Patna Saheb (PNC)
- Arrival: 09:03 AM
- Departure: 09:05 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Bakhtiyarpur Junction (BKP)
- Arrival: 09:33 AM
- Departure: 09:35 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Mokama (MKA)
- Arrival: 10:08 AM
- Departure: 10:10 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Kiul Junction (KIUL)
- Arrival: 10:43 AM
- Departure: 10:45 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Jhajha (JAJ)
- Arrival: 11:50 AM
- Departure: 11:55 AM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Jasidih Junction (JSME)
- Arrival: 12:27 PM
- Departure: 12:29 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Madhupur Junction (MDP)
- Arrival: 12:54 PM
- Departure: 12:56 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Asansol Junction (ASN)
- Arrival: 03:40 PM
- Departure: 04:00 PM
- Halt: 20 minutes (longest halt, ideal for refreshments)
- Durgapur (DGR)
- Arrival: 04:30 PM
- Departure: 04:32 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Barddhaman Junction (BWN)
- Arrival: 05:23 PM
- Departure: 05:25 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Howrah Junction (HWH)
- Arrival: 06:50 PM
- Departure: 07:15 PM
- Halt: 25 minutes (significant stop in Kolkata)
- Kharagpur Junction (KGP)
- Arrival: 09:00 PM
- Departure: 09:05 PM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Balasore (BLS)
- Arrival: 10:33 PM
- Departure: 10:35 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Bhadrak (BHC)
- Arrival: 11:33 PM
- Departure: 11:35 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road (JJKR)
- Arrival: 12:08 AM
- Departure: 12:10 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Cuttack Junction (CTC)
- Arrival: 01:05 AM
- Departure: 01:10 AM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Bhubaneswar (BBS)
- Arrival: 01:45 AM
- Departure: 01:50 AM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Khurda Road Junction (KUR)
- Arrival: 02:10 AM
- Departure: 02:15 AM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Puri (PURI)
- Arrival: 02:55 AM
- Final destination, a major pilgrimage hub in Odisha.
This timetable reflects the train’s journey across 20 key stations, covering a distance of approximately 931 km. The longest halt at Asansol Junction (20 minutes) provides passengers with ample time to stretch their legs or grab a quick bite.
Route Highlights of Train Number 03230
The route of Train Number 03230 takes passengers through diverse landscapes, from the plains of Bihar to the coastal regions of Odisha. Key highlights include:
- Patna to Jhajha: Traverses Bihar’s urban and rural areas, passing through important junctions like Mokama and Kiul.
- Jhajha to Howrah: Enters Jharkhand and West Bengal, with stops at industrial hubs like Asansol and the iconic Howrah Junction in Kolkata.
- Howrah to Puri: Covers the scenic eastern coast, passing through Odisha’s cultural centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack before reaching Puri.
Operational History of Train Number 03230
Train Number 03230 is a special fare train introduced to meet seasonal demand, particularly during festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, or the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Its limited-run status means it operates only during specific periods, with extensions announced based on passenger demand. For instance, earlier records from India Rail Info indicate that the train was extended until March 31, 2023, and later saw further extensions into 2025, with its first departure for the latest cycle starting on February 6, 2025, and last arrival scheduled for March 27, 2025.
Overview of Train Number 03229: Puri to Patna Special Fare AC Special
What is Train Number 03229?
Train Number 03229, known as the Puri – Patna Special Fare AC Special, is the return counterpart of Train Number 03230. Operated by the East Central Railway (ECR), this train connects Puri (PURI) in Odisha to Patna Junction (PNBE) in Bihar. Like its counterpart, it is an AC Express designed for comfort, catering to pilgrims, tourists, and regular travelers heading back to Bihar.
Key Features of Train Number 03229
- Train Type: AC Express (Special Fare)
- Operating Zone: East Central Railway (ECR)
- Origin Station: Puri (PURI)
- Destination Station: Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Total Distance: Approximately 926 km
- Journey Time: 18 hours and 40 minutes
- Coach Composition: AC coaches (2A, 3A, and possibly SL)
- Frequency: Operates on Fridays (limited run, subject to extension)
- Special Note: Features LHB coaches and offers e-catering services.
Timetable of Train Number 03229
The timetable of Train Number 03229 ensures a smooth return journey for passengers. Here’s the detailed schedule:
- Departure from Puri (PURI): 02:55 PM (Friday)
- Arrival at Patna Junction (PNBE): 09:35 AM (Saturday, next day)
- Total Travel Time: 18 hours and 40 minutes
- Average Speed: 50 km/hr
Station-wise Timetable and Route of Train Number 03229
Below is the complete list of major stops for Train Number 03229:
- Puri (PURI)
- Departure: 02:55 PM
- Starting point in Odisha’s coastal pilgrimage city.
- Khurda Road Junction (KUR)
- Arrival: 03:35 PM
- Departure: 03:40 PM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Bhubaneswar (BBS)
- Arrival: 04:00 PM
- Departure: 04:05 PM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Cuttack Junction (CTC)
- Arrival: 04:40 PM
- Departure: 04:45 PM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road (JJKR)
- Arrival: 05:43 PM
- Departure: 05:45 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Bhadrak (BHC)
- Arrival: 06:28 PM
- Departure: 06:30 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Balasore (BLS)
- Arrival: 07:18 PM
- Departure: 07:20 PM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Kharagpur Junction (KGP)
- Arrival: 08:55 PM
- Departure: 09:00 PM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Howrah Junction (HWH)
- Arrival: 10:45 PM
- Departure: 11:10 PM
- Halt: 25 minutes (longest halt)
- Barddhaman Junction (BWN)
- Arrival: 12:15 AM
- Departure: 12:17 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Durgapur (DGR)
- Arrival: 01:05 AM
- Departure: 01:07 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Asansol Junction (ASN)
- Arrival: 01:40 AM
- Departure: 02:00 AM
- Halt: 20 minutes
- Madhupur Junction (MDP)
- Arrival: 02:55 AM
- Departure: 02:57 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Jasidih Junction (JSME)
- Arrival: 03:22 AM
- Departure: 03:24 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Jhajha (JAJ)
- Arrival: 04:25 AM
- Departure: 04:30 AM
- Halt: 5 minutes
- Kiul Junction (KIUL)
- Arrival: 05:08 AM
- Departure: 05:10 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Mokama (MKA)
- Arrival: 05:38 AM
- Departure: 05:40 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Bakhtiyarpur Junction (BKP)
- Arrival: 06:08 AM
- Departure: 06:10 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Patna Saheb (PNC)
- Arrival: 06:38 AM
- Departure: 06:40 AM
- Halt: 2 minutes
- Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Arrival: 09:35 AM
- Final destination in Bihar’s capital.
The route of Train Number 03229 mirrors that of Train Number 03230 in reverse, covering 20 key stations over 926 km. The longest halt at Howrah Junction (25 minutes) offers a break for passengers.
Route Highlights of Train Number 03229
The return journey from Puri to Patna offers a mix of coastal beauty and urban vibrancy:
- Puri to Howrah: Passes through Odisha’s cultural hubs like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, then enters West Bengal’s industrial and metropolitan zones.
- Howrah to Jhajha: Covers key stations in West Bengal and Jharkhand, including Asansol and Madhupur.
- Jhajha to Patna: Returns through Bihar’s rural and urban landscapes, concluding at Patna Junction.
Operational History of Train Number 03229
Like Train Number 03230, Train Number 03229 is a seasonal special train. Its latest cycle began on February 7, 2025, with the last arrival scheduled for March 28, 2025, according to India Rail Info. The train’s operation is often extended based on demand, making it a reliable option for return travel after festivals or holidays.
Comparing Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229
While both trains serve the same route in opposite directions, there are subtle differences worth noting:
| Feature | Train Number 03230 (PNBE to PURI) | Train Number 03229 (PURI to PNBE) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Patna Junction (PNBE) | Puri (PURI) |
| Destination | Puri (PURI) | Patna Junction (PNBE) |
| Departure Day | Thursday | Friday |
| Departure Time | 08:45 AM | 02:55 PM |
| Arrival Time | 02:55 AM (next day) | 09:35 AM (next day) |
| Distance | 931 km | 926 km |
| Travel Time | 18 hours 10 minutes | 18 hours 40 minutes |
| Average Speed | 51 km/hr | 50 km/hr |
| Longest Halt | Asansol Junction (20 min) | Howrah Junction (25 min) |
Both trains offer a comfortable AC travel experience, making them ideal for long-distance journeys between Bihar and Odisha.
Why Travel on Train Number 03230 & 03229?
1. Comfort with AC Coaches
Both Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229 feature air-conditioned LHB coaches, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the weather outside. Whether you’re traveling in summer or winter, these trains provide a cozy environment.
2. Connectivity to Pilgrimage and Tourist Destinations
Puri is a spiritual hub famous for the Jagannath Temple, while Patna is a historical city with sites like the Mahabodhi Temple and Patna Sahib Gurudwara. These trains connect two culturally rich destinations, making them popular among pilgrims and tourists.
3. Seasonal Convenience
As special fare trains, Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229 are introduced during peak travel seasons, offering additional capacity when regular trains are fully booked.
4. E-Catering Services
Passengers can enjoy e-catering services on Train Number 03229, allowing them to order food online and have it delivered to their seats at designated stations.
How to Book Tickets for Train Number 03230 & 03229
Booking tickets for Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229 is straightforward:
- IRCTC Website/App: Visit www.irctc.co.in or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Enter the train number, travel date, and class (2A, 3A, etc.).
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP): 60 days.
- Fare: Special fare applies, slightly higher than regular trains due to the seasonal nature.
- Quota: General (GN), Tatkal (TQ), and other quotas may be available.
Always check the latest availability and extensions on India Rail Info or the IRCTC platform, as these trains operate on a limited-run basis.
Tips for Traveling on Train Number 03230 & 03229
- Plan Ahead: Book tickets early, especially during festival seasons when demand spikes.
- Pack Snacks: While e-catering is available on Train Number 03229, it’s wise to carry light snacks for Train Number 03230.
- Arrive Early: Reach Patna Junction or Puri at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Check Updates: Monitor the train’s running status on India Rail Info or IRCTC for delays or cancellations.
Exploring the Route: Key Destinations Along Train Number 03230 & 03229
Patna Junction (PNBE)
- Significance: Bihar’s capital and a major railway hub.
- Attractions: Patna Museum, Golghar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
Puri (PURI)
- Significance: Home to the Jagannath Temple, a Char Dham pilgrimage site.
- Attractions: Puri Beach, Konark Sun Temple (nearby), Chilika Lake.
Howrah Junction (HWH)
- Significance: Kolkata’s iconic railway station.
- Attractions: Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
Bhubaneswar (BBS)
- Significance: Odisha’s capital, known as the “Temple City.”
- Attractions: Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves.
These stops offer opportunities for short explorations if you plan a multi-city trip.
The Role of India Rail Info in Understanding Train Number 03230 & 03229
India Rail Info (indiarailinfo.com) is a treasure trove for rail enthusiasts and travelers. It provides:
- Real-Time Updates: Timetables, running status, and extensions for Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229.
- Crowd-Sourced Data: Insights from fellow passengers about coach conditions, delays, and more.
- Station Details: Contact info, pin codes, and facilities at stops like Patna and Puri.
This platform has been instrumental in verifying the details shared in this blog, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Your Journey with Train Number 03230 & 03229
Train Number 03230 and Train Number 03229 are more than just trains—they’re a bridge between two vibrant states, Bihar and Odisha, offering comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Whether you’re a pilgrim heading to Puri’s Jagannath Temple or a traveler returning to Patna’s historical charm, these special fare AC trains cater to your needs with their well-planned timetables and extensive routes. With data sourced from India Rail Info, this guide provides a complete picture of what to expect on your journey.
As of April 4, 2025, these trains continue to serve passengers during their limited-run periods, with extensions likely based on demand. So, next time you plan a trip between Patna and Puri, consider Train Number 03230 or Train Number 03229 for a reliable and comfortable travel experience. Happy journey!
