Special train between Sambalpur-Banaras
Special train between Sambalpur-Banaras (Train No. 08311 / 08312) time table, route, frequency and fare
For the convenience of passengers, East Coast Railway has decided to run special train between Sambalpur-Banaras-Sambalpur (Train No. 08311 / 08312)
Train No. 08311 Sambalpur-Banaras special train
Train No. 08311 Sambalpur-Banaras Special train will leave from (Every Sun, Wed) Sambalpur at 13.10 hrs & will reach Banaras at 09.25 hrs and train running time between the station 20 hour and 15 minutes.
Train No. 08312 Banaras-Sambalpur special train
Similarly, Train No. 08312 Banaras -Sambalpur Special train will leave from (Every Sun, Wed) Banaras at 15.00 hrs & will reach Sambalpur at 11.05 hrs and train running time between the station 20 hour and 5 minutes.
Sambalpur-Banaras Distance between the station is 897 Kilometer
Date of Commencement of Service:
Train No. 08311 from Sambalpur-Banaras special train 21-10-2025 to 29-11-2025
Train No: 08312 from Banaras-Sambalpur special train 22-10-2025 to 30-11-2025
Here’s the latest verified information about the special train service between Sambalpur (SBP) and Banaras (BSBS/Varanasi Junction):
Contents
🚆 Sambalpur – Banaras Special Fare Special (Train No. 08311/08312)
- Train No. 08311 runs from Sambalpur Junction to Banaras, and 08312 operates in the reverse direction ([turn0search3]turn0search1).
- The special service runs twice a week — on Sunday and Wednesday from Sambalpur at 13:05 IST, arriving at Banaras at around 09:25 IST the next day (~20 hours 20 minutes journey covering ~897 km) ([turn0search3]turn0search1turn0search4).
- Return (08312) departs Banaras at ~15:00 IST and reaches Sambalpur around 11:05 IST next day ([turn0search3]turn0search4).
- Halts: Approximately 27 stops, including key junctions like Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Ranchi, Dehri-on-Sone, and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction ([turn0search4]turn0search1).
- Classes Available: Covers 2S (Second Seating), Sleeper (SL), AC 3‑tier (3A), AC 2‑tier (2A) ([turn0search1]turn0search4).
🛤️ Regular Scheduled Service — Sambalpur‑Varanasi Express (18311/18312)
- Train No. 18311 (Sambalpur → Varanasi) and 18312 for the return trip. Operates twice weekly on Sunday and Wednesday, similar to the special fare schedule ([turn0search9]turn0search7).
- Departure: 13:05 IST from Sambalpur → Arrival: ~09:00 IST in Varanasi (~20h journey, ~897 km) ([turn0search9]turn0search7).
- Same set of halts and similar classes offered (2A, 3A, SL) ([turn0search7]turn0search9).
🔍 Comparison & Context
- The special fare service (08311/08312) is essentially the same route and schedule as the regular 18311/18312 Express, using the same timings and halts.
- It covers roughly 897 km in about 20h 20m to 20h 30m with average speed around 44 km/h.
- The special fare may be introduced during festive periods or peak demand and can have slightly higher fares, limited onboard services, or lower coach priority due to COVID‑reserved rake usage ([turn0search1]turn0search3turn0reddit20turn0reddit24).
- Special trains often run with lower operational priority, increasing chances of delays or reduced amenities (e.g. lack of pantry service, older coaches) ([turn0reddit20]turn0reddit24).
🧾 Summary Table
| Service Type | Train No. | Days | Dep (SBP) | Arr (BSBS) | Duration | Distance | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Fare Special | 08311 / 08312 | Sun, Wed | 13:05 | ~09:25 next day | ~20 h 20 m | ~897 km | 2S, SL, 3A, 2A |
| Regular Express | 18311 / 18312 | Sun, Wed | 13:05 | ~09:00–09:25 | ~20 h | ~897 km | 2A, 3A, SL |
ℹ️ Traveler Tips
- 🎟️ Booking & Fares: Confirm before booking—special fares can be higher and seat availability may differ.
- ⏳ Delay Risk: Specials get low track priority; expect possible delays and lower reliability ([turn0reddit24]).
- 🍽️ Onboard Facilities: Pantry, e-catering, or linen service may be limited or unavailable.
- ✅ For updated running status or PNR check, consult IRCTC or trusted live-tracking platforms.
Would you like help checking live running status, PNR status, or alternate routes (e.g. via Bhubaneswar or Varanasi)?