Jagdalpur, located in the heart of Bastar district in southern Chhattisgarh, is a land of stunning waterfalls, ancient temples, tribal festivals, and untouched forests. If you’re looking for an authentic Indian travel experience far away from tourist crowds, Jagdalpur is the place to go. And one of the most budget-friendly and scenic ways to get there is by train.
While flights and buses are options, train travel to Jagdalpur gives you a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of central and eastern India — from plains and hills to forests and rural towns. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on all train routes, major stations, travel tips, booking advice, and local connectivity once you reach.
Where Is Jagdalpur and Why Travel by Train?
Jagdalpur lies in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, close to the borders of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Due to its remote location, train connectivity here is not as extensive as other cities, but still very much possible — especially if you know the right routes.
Why choose the train to Jagdalpur?
- Cost-effective – Ideal for budget travellers
- Scenic routes – Especially from Visakhapatnam via Araku Valley
- Availability – Multiple long-distance trains from Odisha, Andhra, and central India
- Night travel option – Save hotel cost and arrive in the morning
Jagdalpur Railway Station (JDB): Your Arrival Point
- Station Code: JDB
- Location: Close to the city centre
- Zone: East Coast Railway (ECoR)
- Facilities: Basic waiting rooms, ticket counter, food stalls, auto rickshaws
Jagdalpur Railway Station is a modest but functional station that handles incoming trains from states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. It’s not a large station, so don’t expect high-end amenities. But it’s clean, safe, and serves the purpose for passengers arriving or departing.
Major Train Routes to Jagdalpur
Below are the most popular and useful train routes that will take you to Jagdalpur from different parts of India.
1. Durg–Jagdalpur Express (18211/18212)
This train connects Durg, an industrial town near Raipur, to Jagdalpur, and is especially useful for travellers from central Chhattisgarh.
- Route: Durg → Raipur → Mahasamund → Khariar → Kantabanji → Titlagarh → Rayagada → Koraput → Jeypore → Jagdalpur
- Distance: Approx. 660 km
- Duration: 14.5 hours
- Frequency: Tri-weekly
- Classes: Sleeper Class, General
Why choose: Good for people starting from Raipur, Bhilai, or nearby towns. Very scenic in the last leg between Rayagada and Jeypore.
2. Samaleswari Express (18005/18006)
If you’re coming from Kolkata or Howrah, this is your best direct option.
- Route: Howrah → Kharagpur → Bhubaneswar → Rayagada → Koraput → Jagdalpur
- Distance: Approx. 1,160 km
- Duration: 23–24 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper
Why choose: Long route but the only direct daily train from Eastern India. Comfortable with good onboard facilities.
3. Visakhapatnam–Jagdalpur (Kirandul) Express (18513/14)
This train is the most scenic route to Jagdalpur. It runs through the Araku Valley, Koraput, and tribal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Route: Visakhapatnam → Araku → Koraput → Jeypore → Jagdalpur → Dantewada → Kirandul
- Distance: 470 km approx.
- Duration: 12–13 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Classes: AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Sleeper
Why choose: If you love mountains, tunnels, waterfalls, and scenic rail rides — this is the best route to Jagdalpur.
4. Hirakhand Express (18447/48)
This train connects Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar to Jagdalpur through important towns and rail junctions.
- Route: Bhubaneswar → Vizianagaram → Koraput → Jeypore → Jagdalpur
- Distance: Approx. 780 km
- Duration: 17–18 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Classes: 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper
Why choose: Comfortable route for travellers from Odisha and eastern coast.
5. Rourkela–Jagdalpur Express (18107/18108)
This connects the industrial city of Rourkela in northern Odisha to Jagdalpur.
- Route: Rourkela → Sambalpur → Rayagada → Koraput → Jagdalpur
- Distance: 750+ km
- Duration: 16–17 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Classes: Sleeper, 3AC
Why choose: Useful for those coming from north Odisha or Jharkhand.
Important Railway Stations on the Route to Jagdalpur
Depending on where you’re starting from, your train will likely pass through some of these key stations before reaching Jagdalpur:
1. Raipur Junction (R)
Major station in Chhattisgarh; excellent road and rail connectivity.
2. Koraput (KRPU)
A beautiful hill station-like town in Odisha. Common transfer point.
3. Rayagada (RGDA)
Junction for trains from Bhubaneswar and Howrah; neat and safe.
4. Jeypore (JYP)
Close to Jagdalpur. Scenic and vital for passengers from Odisha/Andhra.
Booking Train Tickets to Jagdalpur
To avoid any last-minute hassles, here are some easy steps:
Step 1: Use Trusted Platforms
- IRCTC (official site/app)
- MakeMyTrip, Paytm, ConfirmTkt – easier interface, same data
Step 2: Search for Trains
Use either your starting city or search via Raipur, Visakhapatnam, or Bhubaneswar. Many passengers use connecting trains through Koraput or Jeypore.
Step 3: Choose Classes
| Class | Best For | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1AC | Luxury/elderly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2AC | Business/family | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3AC | Youth/small family | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sleeper | Budget travel | ⭐⭐ |
| General | Local travel only | ⭐ |
Local Transport After Reaching Jagdalpur
Once you reach Jagdalpur Railway Station:
- Auto rickshaws: Easily available outside (₹50–₹100)
- Cycle rickshaws: Short distances
- Taxis: For Chitrakote, Dantewada (book in advance)
- Hotel pick-up: Some hotels provide free transfer on request
Travel Tips for Train Journey to Jagdalpur
- Carry cash: ATMs may not work in rural areas
- Download ‘Where is My Train’ app: For live status updates
- Carry your food/snacks: Pantry cars are limited or unavailable
- Avoid late-night arrivals if traveling solo
- If changing trains at Koraput or Rayagada, give a 2-hour buffer
Future Railway Projects to Jagdalpur
Indian Railways has greenlit the Rowghat–Jagdalpur rail line, aiming to connect more interior regions like Narayanpur and Kondagaon to Jagdalpur. This line will:
- Improve access to tribal belts
- Reduce travel time from Raipur
- Boost tourism and commerce in Bastar
Once complete, this will be a game-changer for local commuters and visitors alike.
Best Time to Travel by Train to Jagdalpur
| Season | Travel Experience |
|---|---|
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Ideal season – cool weather and clear skies |
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | Hot and dry – prefer AC coaches |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Scenic, but trains may get delayed due to rain |
Festivals like Bastar Dussehra (Sept–Oct) are peak season. Trains get fully booked quickly, so plan in advance.
A Journey into Nature and Culture
Travelling to Jagdalpur by train is not just about reaching your destination — it’s about immersing yourself in the heartland of India, watching the terrain shift from cities to forests, and getting a feel of the land’s rhythm.
Whether you’re coming from the east, south, or central India, there’s a railway route that takes you deep into Bastar. With proper planning, the right train, and an open heart, your journey to Jagdalpur will become a memory to cherish.
So pack your bags, pick your train, and let the tracks lead you into the soul of Chhattisgarh.
