This one is for UR passengers only;
This train is one of the most popular trains among the daily passengers of Bhubaneswar, especially those working in Govt. offices of the city and residing in smaller towns like Dhenkanal and Angul. Due to this fact, one can find heavy rush on this train. (especially on 18304 going towards SBP). However this train departs from Puri with very less no. of passengers and seats remain available till BBS. However, once at BBS, the rush begins and getting a seat on this train becomes something like winning a fight. In order to get a seat, one has to throw a piece of cloth on any random seat through the window, rather than trying to board...
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it along with the mad public creating a mess around the door, the minute it arrives. After managing to put any piece of cloth on the any seat/berth, no one takes it away and you can occupy it with ease after the rush at the doors is over. It must be noted that the train arrives mostly on PF#3 at BBS and sometimes on PF#2.(18304). This train reaches and departs from BBS sharply on time almost always. However, it is mostly given a red signal at Barang and halts there, otherwise crawls through it. It accumulates some 10-15 mins delay within BRAG. After BRAG, it travels at a speed of 95-105 kmph till Radhakishorepur, where it is slowed down due to PSRs and sometimes it is held there for 5-6 minutes. if not at Radhakishorepur, then it is also held at Raj Athagarh jn, many times and accumulates a delay of some 25-30 mins delay. After Raj Athagarh, it travels fast at mps and covers some 5 mins delay and reaches Dhenkanal(DNKL) with a delay of around 20-25 mins(about 18:30). At DNKL, many daily passengers get down. However, the delay accumulated within DNKL stays as it is due to lack of slack in the tt. Many people get down at ANGL too, and then on, the train becomes very much empty. It reaches SBP with an approximate delay of 1 hour. However, on sundays and other holidays, the train would be quite empty.
RailFanning:
18304 faces OT from 12892 BBS-BGY SF Express sometimes at BRAG.
The route it takes is also quite scenic.
On 18303, a window side seat from SBP to BBS is great for railfanning. Lush green fields and forests would there. However, due to the fall of darkness, these all can't be viewed from 18304.

Tip for people boarding in GEN classes: Those who want to board this train at BBS in GEN class, be prepared for a battle(This is the term I prefer to use)
The 18105 ROU-BBS Intercity arrives at BBS on platform no.3 with a delay of around 5-10 mins(usually within 13:05-13:10), Then there is a battle and wrestling between people trying to boarding and getting down the train. If you are not a seasoned daily passenger of this train, please arrive atleast 30 mins before the arrival of ROU-BBS intercity(18105) and go to the last positions(i.e the SLR and the 2nd last UR compartment is the best choice)A huge crowd tries to board the UR compartments, if you can run with the window...
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of the arriving train(before it stops) then throw your handkerchief or any cloth on a seat and the seat will remain reserved for you. Remember please arrive BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF 18105 ROU-BBS INTERCITY.
If you arrive after the arrival of the above mentioned train then there's almost no chance of getting a seat in GEN class you have to stand at least till DNKL or ANGL, during weekends you may have to wait for a seat till SBPY.
Tip for tourists: If you are arriving in Odisha from outside and considering this train as a connecting one for a short distance journey in GEN class, please book in 2S,where you can have a seat for you and can settle your luggage but with your luggage, you don't stand a chance in UR coaches, so please book a seat. This is also advisable for those travelling for the first time in this train.

Speed: This train is an aggressive one with great speed.

Punctuality: This train gets delayed by an hour on an average by the time it reaches ROU, in some cases the delay may be more.

Cleanliness: This train is not cleaned at BBS, only at ROU as BBS it stays only for 40-45 mins, hence the 2S and UR coaches may not remain clean, however the CC coaches are clean, and comfortable.

Railfanning: Thanks to curvy and scenic path between ANGL and SBP, one can have a good railfanning experience.

Food and catering: One can opt for e-catering at Bhubaneswar railway station, from Dominos and other choices, again one can also buy food from local vendors within the station premises. Another option is the Green Chilyiz fast food stall, situated at the master canteen square, there one can have a variety of food items to choose from and get it parceled, however for that the passenger must arrive at least one hour before the arrival of 18105 if opting for GEN travel, if reservation is there then arrive at least an hour before departure, considering the time to get your food packed.

In short: Opt for the general class at BBS only if you're a regular passenger, else if your journey is greater than 100 kms booking in CC is advisable, otherwise book in 2S.
This tip is also applicable for those boarding the train at DNKL too, as the train will remain packed till ANGL or SBPY.
After SBPY, the train will become empty.