Puri–Howrah Garib Rath Express

The 12882 / 81 Puri Shalimar Garib Rath Express is a Superfast Express train of the Garib Rath series belonging to Indian Railways - East Coast Railway zone that runs between Puri and Shalimar in India.

It operates as train number 12882 from Puri to Shalimar and as train number 12881 in the reverse direction serving the states of West Bengal & Odisha. Previously the train was used to run between Howrah Junction and Puri, but later moved to Shalimar.

It is part of the Garib Rath Express series launched by then the railway minister of India, Lalu Prasad Yadav

Coaches
The 12882 / 81 Puri Shalimar Garib Rath Express has 16 AC 3 tier & 2 End on Generator Coaches. It does not carry a Pantry car coach.

As is customary with most train services in India, Coach Composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

Service
The 12882 Puri Shalimar Garib Rath Express covers the distance of 497 km in 8 hours 50 mins (56.83 km/h) and in 9 hours 00 mins as 12881 Shalimar Puri Garib Rath Express (55.78 km/h).

As the average speed of the train is above 55 km/h, as per Indian Railways rules, its fare includes a superfast surcharge.

Routeing
The 12882 / 81 Puri Shalimar Garib Rath Express runs from Puri via Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kharagpur Junction to Shalimar.

Traction
As the route is fully electrified, a Visakhapatnam based WAP-4 or WAP-7 powers the train for its entire journey.

Operation
12882 Puri Shalimar Garib Rath Express leaves Puri every Monday & Wednesday arriving Shalimar the next day. 12881 Shalimar Puri Garib Rath Express leaves Shalimar  every Tuesday & Thursday arriving Puri the next day.