In view of the rush of passengers during festivals, the railway has taken a significant step. 9 pairs of festival special trains will be run on the UP-Bihar route during Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath festivals. This will provide relief to millions of passengers.
Festival Special Trains: During the festive season, Indian Railways makes special arrangements every year to manage the increasing number of passengers. During major festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, a large number of people travel from North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, to Delhi and other major cities. This year too, the railway has taken a significant step to facilitate passengers during the festivals. The railway has announced that over 12,000 additional trains (Festival Special Trains) will be operated. Out of these, 9 pairs of festival special trains will run exclusively in the East Central Railway (ECR Zone).
Significant Relief for Passengers
Saraswati Chandra, CPRO of East Central Railway, stated that the railway has made this decision to ensure passengers do not face any difficulties in reaching their homes and returning during the festival season. These additional trains will particularly benefit passengers traveling between major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Howrah, and between UP and Bihar.
When Will the Special Trains Run?
According to the railway, these trains will operate on different dates from September to December. The timings and operations of the trains have been decided keeping in mind the rush during Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath festivals. Passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance to avoid any inconvenience during their journey.
Major Festival Special Trains and Timings
1. Hazrat Nizamuddin–Patna AC Superfast (04094/04093)
This train will run daily from September 21 to November 29. It will depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin at 11 AM and arrive in Patna at 5 AM the next day. The return journey will be from September 22 to November 30. The train will depart from Patna at 7:45 AM.
2. Anand Vihar–Patliputra Festival Special (04096/04095)
This train will run daily from September 21 to November 29. It will depart from Anand Vihar at 12:05 AM and arrive in Patliputra at 9:30 PM the next day.
3. New Delhi–Hasanpur Road Festival Special (04098/04097)
This train will provide daily service from October 1 to November 29. It will depart from New Delhi at 9:30 AM and reach Hasanpur Road at 12 PM the next day.
4. Chandigarh–Patna Festival Special (04504/04503)
This train will run every Thursday from Chandigarh from September 25 to November 27. The return journey will be every Friday from Patna.
5. New Delhi–Howrah Festival Special (04452/04451)
This train will be in service daily from September 20 to December 19. This will greatly benefit passengers traveling between Eastern India and the capital, Delhi.
6. Ajmer–Ranchi Festival Special
This train will run for passengers traveling from Rajasthan to Jharkhand during the festivals.
7. Mau–Kolkata Festival Special
This special service has been provided for those traveling from Mau in UP to Kolkata.
8. Durg–Patna Festival Special
This train will bring relief to those traveling between Chhattisgarh and Bihar.
9. Gondia–Patna Festival Special
This train will provide convenience to those traveling between Gondia in Maharashtra and Patna in Bihar.
Why Does Passenger Rush Increase During Festivals?
During Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, people from all over the country return to their native villages. Millions of people, especially from UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, work in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Gujarat, and other states. During festivals, all these people wish to return home. This is the reason for the heavy rush on trains, and tickets get fully booked weeks in advance. Railways operate special trains every year to manage this rush and facilitate passengers.
Railway Preparations
The railway has stated that sufficient coaches will be added this year to manage the rush. Additionally, arrangements for extra staff and helpdesks will be made at stations. The railway has appealed to passengers to book tickets only through authorized platforms or IRCTC.
