The Railways have announced a major initiative to facilitate travel for passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivals. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that more than 12,000 special trains will be operated for Bihar. Additionally, four new Amrit Bharat trains and a Vande Bharat train between Purnia and Patna will also be introduced.
Patna: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, that more than 12,000 special trains will be run for passengers traveling to Bihar during the Diwali and Chhath Mahaparv festivals. In addition, four new Amrit Bharat trains will be launched for general category passengers on the Delhi-Gaya, Saharsa-Amritsar, Chhapra-Delhi, and Muzaffarpur-Hyderabad routes. Furthermore, a Vande Bharat train will soon operate between Purnia and Patna, providing significant relief to passengers in the state.
12,000 Special Trains to Run During Festivals
Every year, the number of passengers traveling to Bihar during Diwali and Chhath reaches into the millions. Regular trains become completely full, and long waiting lists form for tickets.
Considering this problem, the Railways have announced the operation of more than 12,000 special trains this time. This will provide passengers with additional options and reduce the pressure of overcrowding. The Railway Minister says that this decision will benefit everyone, from migrant workers to general passengers.
Railways to Operate Four New Amrit Bharat Trains
The Railways have also given Bihar the gift of new trains. Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that four new Amrit Bharat trains will be introduced to facilitate general category passengers.
These trains will run on the Delhi-Gaya, Saharsa-Amritsar, Chhapra-Delhi, and Muzaffarpur-Hyderabad routes. Amrit Bharat trains are known for their affordable fares and better facilities. These will provide significant relief to passengers in remote districts and significantly reduce the ticket crisis during festivals.
Vande Bharat Train to Run Between Purnia and Patna
Giving Bihar another high-tech gift, the Railways have planned to run a Vande Bharat train between Purnia and Patna.
This modern train will provide faster and direct connectivity between the state capital and North Bihar. This will not only save passengers' time but also give them an experience of fast, safe, and comfortable travel. The Railway Minister said that the Vande Bharat will benefit all sections of society and also strengthen the economic activities of Bihar.
20% Discount on Tickets and Buddha Circuit Train
The Railways have announced a discount of up to 20 percent on fares to provide relief to passengers during the festivals. This facility will be available for passengers departing between October 13 and 26, 2025, and returning between November 17 and December 1, 2025.
Along with this, the Railways have also planned a Buddha Circuit Train, which will provide better connectivity to passengers to historical and religious places like Nalanda and Rajgir. This step will also help in promoting tourism in Bihar.
Railway Minister Announces Major Projects
The Railway Minister also announced several infrastructure schemes for Bihar. A ring railway project will be created for Patna, which will reduce the pressure of traffic in the capital and streamline train operations.
In addition, projects like new foot overbridges, foot underbridges, the third and fourth lines between Buxar-Lakhisarai, and the Sultanganj-Deoghar rail link will also be worked on. These projects will not only increase the safety and convenience of passengers but also strengthen the state's rail network.
